Nightspots in the Sunshine State have been given the green light to reopen post-COVID, but partygoers won’t be able to hit the dancefloor.
With venues expected to have a COVID-safe plan and cap entrants at 100, it’s a logistical nightmare for promoters so dancing is a no-go.
“Young people can still sit down and enjoy a meal,” said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who told reporters she hoped clubs would take the opportunity to reopen.
Tammy Wood, marketing manager for Retros nightclub in Fortitude Valley, told the Brisbane Times punters have been advised to get in early.
“Staff will be monitoring it, of course, but we will be making the best we can of the situation,” she said.
Queensland isn’t the only state with these kinds of restrictions. In South Australia, nightclub patrons have been advised that they can drink or dance, but not both.
“This is not a bungle. This is a clear public health measure. We’ve seen in Seoul, for example, that nightclubs were the source of their second wave,” South Australian Premier Stephen Wade said.
“We need to accept that nightclubs, where you’ve got dancing and alcohol, a large number of adults in close proximity is a risk, it needs to be managed.”
With cases continuing to spike in Victoria, of course you can’t blame anyone for being careful – but we’d like to see anyone stay seated when ‘Stayin’ Alive’ comes on.
