Confusion mounts for Irish nightclubs prior to reopening
Taoiseach Mícheál Martin announced that nightclubs will reopen to those who are vaccinated, meaning Covid-19 certificates will play a key part in gaining entry into clubs along with contact tracing data collection.
After a long-awaited return, it has been confirmed that Ireland’s nightclubs can reopen on October 22nd with a few new measures in place.
Not only will you need proof of vaccination, you will also have to use a face covering when you’re not eating, drinking and dancing.
The National Public Health Emergency Team [NPHET] were at the center of the cabinet’s discussion on Tuesday as the government took NPHET’s advice into account before the scheduled easing of restrictions on October 22nd.
NPHET advised that the current Covid-19 restrictions stay in place until spring 2022, a decision the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar described as ‘deeply disappointing’ .
The Taoiseach explained that more details will be announced soon in relation to mask-wearing, ventilation and social distancing.
As Friday’s reopening edges closer, there is a lingering sense of frustration amongst nightlife workers with many unsure what to expect.
“I do not have high expectations for Friday, my expectations have been shattered time and time again and I’m just not getting my hopes up,” DJ Richard Tracey told The Liberty.
“While I have several bookings for this weekend, I just don’t want to risk being excited and getting myself psyched up when the decision isn’t in anyone’s hands but the Governments,” Tracey added.
“The lack of government communication or thought about the events industry has decimated the past two years of my life”
DJ Richard Tracey.
“The lack of government communication or thought about the events industry has decimated the past two years of my life,” he said.
“When events and gigs start up again, it’s going to be absolute insanity. I’m not sure if DJs will be able to do any warm-up sets,” Tracey added.
It’s been over a year since nightclubs opened their doors and there is a real concern that many clubs will be unprepared for the loosening of restrictions as a large proportion of nightclub workers have sought work elsewhere.
“The knock-on effect for our business will be significant. Our business model is straight forward: ‘supply and demand’. It will take some time to replenish the staff we have lost as a result of the pandemic,” private security firm owner Victor Ellis told The Liberty.
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