The last phase of the lockdown exit is getting closer: after annoucing curfew and compulsory outdoor facemask-wearing are to end, this Monday June 21, the government announced highly expected news: nightclubs can reopen starting from July 9, 2021.
Closed since the beginning of the health crisis, nightclubs have had to wait for a long time to reopen. Many places even had to close. This reopening date eventually brings light in these difficult times.
Minister for SMB Alain Griset held a work meeting with representatives of the nightlife sector to discuss the reopening conditions of nightclubs. At the end of the meeting, the Minister announced these places are allowed to reopen from July 9.
Yet, strict health protocol has been imposed to professionals from the filed. Some measures seem even too strict to these workers: they fear theses restrictions discourage people to come.
Among the controversial measures, there is the obligation to show health pass at the entrance of the nightclub. Only those who have been given two doses of vaccine will be allowed in, two weeks after their second injection. A catastrophic rule to Patrick Malvaës - head of the national union trade for nightclubs - explaining on BFM that "30% of the young people are anti-vaxxers and only 6.2% of people under 29 have been vaccinated".
These young people represent the biggest majority of nightclub customers. The government's decision slows the recovery of the night venues.
The health protocol also states venues have to comply with a 75% gauge. This gauge can go up to 100% outdoor for clubs enjoying open-air places. Good news though, facemask-wearing is recommended but not compulsory on the dancefloor.
This July 7, 2021, during a new press brief, Gabriel Attal confirmed night clubs will indeed reopen from this Friday July 9, adding "the health pass enables to prove someone has been vaccinated or is not carrying Covid-19." Yet, faced with the risk of a 4th wave, the government spokesman added "there will be many controls of gauges and the health protocol to check the health pass is used right, and if not, we'll make decisions".
Alcohol abuse is bad for your health, please drink responsibly.
