Nightclubs across Europe are now beginning to reopen, giving us a glimpse of normality returning to the social scene.
Covid restrictions in Europe have been steadily easing over the past few months, with government officials announcing the latest restrictions to be lifted will be on nightclubs.
Late night dance enthusiasts will be delighted to finally have nightclubs back open to facilitate some much-needed nights out that have not been possible for over a year.
France
The French government announced yesterday that standing audiences will be allowed from June 30, and nightclubs will be permitted to open from July 9.
The reopening will come as a relief to many struggling nightclub owners as, according to the hospitality trade union UMIH, more than 100 of the 1,600 nightclubs in France have been forced to close permanently due to the economic consequences of the pandemic.
Spain
The continued falling of case numbers has prompted the Spanish government to reopen nightclubs in areas with low case numbers, such as Madrid and Barcelona.
In the northeastern region of Catalonia, nightclubs are restricted to operate at 50 per cent capacity and must close at 3.30 am.
While on the dance floor, people must wear a face mask.
In Madrid, nightclubs will operate at reduced capacity and are only permitted to open outdoor dance areas. In addition, they must close at 3 am.
Nightclubs in Ibiza, which is famous for its nightlife, will remain closed.
Italy
Italy’s Health Undersecretary Andrea Costa said that nightclubs in Italy are planned to reopen by July 10.
Italy plans to implement the same system used in the EU Digital Green Cert to access clubs.
This will mean people will provide proof they have been vaccinated, recovered from COVID or have tested negative for COVID.
Appearing on RTL 102.5 radio Ms Costa said, “This week we will give a date for when the nightclubs will be able to go back to business because this sector is the only one that still did not have a scenario to work with, and I think the political world is duty-bound to give a response."
"The nightclubs will be able to open by July 10, and I think the criteria of the Green Pass can be applied to the clubs too".
The reopening of nightclubs across Europe has indicated that with the continued vaccination roll-out, Ireland may be able to return to nightclubs sooner than initially thought.
