SONG, NO DANCE

Nightclub nod to reopen but live acts, mingling, and dancefloors banned

NIGHTCLUB bosses are divided on a shock green light to reopen – with dance floors, live acts and mingling banned – leaving some scrambling to party and others refusing, saying it’s not the right “atmosphere”.

Surfers Paradise R&B nightclub Havana raced to be among the country’s first to open last night, after Queensland’s licensing body clarified nightclubs could trade under Stage 2 coronavirus restaurant rules. Havana’s Tim Martin said: “People are ready to go out, we’re ready to provide entertainment, it’s time to move on.”

NIGHTCLUB bosses are divided on a shock green light to reopen – with dance floors, live acts and mingling banned – leaving some scrambling to party and others refusing.

Surfers Paradise R&B nightclub Havana raced to open at 9pm last night – among the first in the country – after Queensland’s licensing body clarified nightclub operators could trade under existing stage two coronavirus pandemic restaurant rules.

But operator Hallmark Group said it would not reopen its Glitter Strip nightclubs, arguing it was “not the atmosphere we want” if people could not dance, mingle or enjoy live acts.

An Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) clarification released late on Thursday night said nightclub licence holders could “serve food and drink on a seated, separated and served basis” under stage two rules that allow restaurants and cafes to operate.

But the OLGR said party spots “can’t provide normal nightclub entertainment services such as dance floors or live bands”.

Up to 20 patrons are allowed via a COVID Safe Checklist, or 20 are permitted per “defined area” if under a Queensland Hotel and Clubs Industry COVID Safe Plan.

Havana, on Gold Coast party strip Orchid Avenue, put on a dozen staff to host a maximum of 100 patrons across five “defined areas” last night and plans reopening tonight.

Havana general manager Tim Martin, the Surfers Paradise nightclub lobby group president, said he believed the clarification allowing nightclubs to trade came after sector “blow back” about only restaurants, bars and cafes being able to open.

“People are ready to go out, we’re ready to provide entertainment and it’s time to move on,’’ Mr Martin said.

“People can’t dance, it’s table service only. They can drink while seated. But it’s going to be an amazing experience.”

Havana, which has capacity for 500, had VIP booth bookings last night and would open each Friday and Saturday for 100 patrons, with week nights added if in demand, he said.

Hallmark Group marketing manager Tammy Wood said her Orchid Avenue nightclubs Asylum and Retros would not reopen yet.

“We don’t want to if people have to be in separate 20-people sections. That’s not the at