Close, but dancing still no go
GOLD Coast hospitality bosses are hopeful restrictions will be wound back and revellers can hit the dance floor by the end of the year after a meeting with the Deputy Chief Health Officer.
But if the state government does ease indoor dancing and capacity restrictions it’s likely venues will have to limit the number of dancers, or manage other COVID-19 measures.
Gold Coast Licensed Venues Association president Tim Martin was involved in a group Zoom meeting with Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Sonya Bennett on Friday.
“We were all talking about the COVID restrictions. It was industry consultation about what to do with dance floors, that sort of thing,” he said.
“(The government) are obviously looking at easing the restrictions and how they can do it in the safest possible manner. They’re acknowledging the economic loss for business. But then you’ve obviously got risks around young people dancing.
“We’re ready, the state’s ready – let’s take the leap and have a go.”
Artesian Hospitality’s Mr Martin, who runs nightspots including SinCity, The Bedroom, Havana, The Avenue and White Rhino, was pleased with the consultation – even if it came late in the virus crisis.
He said venues were experiencing a steady increase in trade after the border reopened to Victoria and all of NSW, but easing restrictions would draw more patrons.
“It’s good for industry to have a say and let them take a look at our perspective,” he said. “Hopefully the information is enough for them to
make a clever decision benefiting everyone.
“Things are looking up after the state opened up during the week. It looks busier in town, it feels busier in town. I think we’re in for a ripper summer leading up all the way to Easter.”
Mr Martin said it was odd turfing out disobedient patrons for dancing in a nightclub.
ALH Group spokesman David Curry said patrons should be allowed to dance inside. “We’re appreciative of
the easing of restrictions to date, but we would like to see them go further and remove all current restrictions, in terms of the one (person) in 2sq m,” he said.
“Instead, (we should) just maintain contact tracing and venues having a COVID safety plan.”
ALH operates more than 15 licensed venues across the city.
While dancing could still be on the cards for New Year’s Eve, the city has cancelled its main fireworks display, citing
virus and bushfire risk.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said easing restrictions was based on factors including the ability to identify COVID-19 transmission sources and to manage outbreaks.
“We are continuously assessing these factors and will update Queenslanders when we are able to. We are working with various stakeholders on continuing to ease restrictions across our state, including dancing in indoor facilities,” they said.