DJs and dinner Restaurant hits backs at critics
ABRISTOL restaurant has defended its decision to hold a DJ night the day after Boris Johnson’s devastating Christmas announcement.
Opa Bristol welcomed diners for an event with four DJs on Sunday. The government’s Tier 2 rules state that “nightclubs and adult entertainment venues must remain closed”.
However, Opa in Baldwin Street primarily operates as a Greek restaurant, and said it served a substantial meal to each guest in line with the law on selling alcohol.
Concerts and live music performances are also allowed to go ahead in Tier 2 areas, with a cap on attendance.
Opa Bristol’s manager James Donald said he had reassurance from Bristol City Council that DJs are classed as live performers and allowed to play, and that his team had done “everything possible” to make the premises Covid-secure.
He said: “We did not have a club event, we had a music event while people sat and ate in our restaurant.
“Lots of club events are using loopholes but we are not. We are doing ticketed events, we are serving food, and everyone [arriving together] signs forms saying they’re in the same household.
“All we are trying to do is support performers and trying to get through this situation.”
He said there was no dancing and guests had to pre-order food and sign a disclaimer form providing contact details for Track and Trace, and confirming they were only attending with members of their household, and that they were not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms. It also reminded people to sanitise their hands upon arrival and ensure they wear masks when not seated.
The event ran from 6pm until 11pm, in time for the 11pm curfew restaurants are currently subject to.
Jordan Davies, a reality TV personality from the ITV2 show Ibiza Weekender, was among the DJs to play.
Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement about a mutant stain of the virus surging in parts of the country on Saturday night, he posted an Instagram story in which he said: “For all you people in Bristol who are wondering if tomorrow is still going ahead, well guess what?
“Boris can’t stop us! It is one of the only parties going at the minute.”
Critical comments were posted on Instagram over the weekend after the restaurant advertised the event.
One commented: “You have got to be kidding! There are people suicidal over the fact they aren’t able to see friends or family and you are advertising a club night? Have a good hard look at yourselves.”
People are still not allowed to mix with other households indoors in Tier 2 areas, so anyone going to the theatre or a restaurant still has to stick with people they live with.
Face masks must also be worn unless seated, for example when walking to a table.
One Instagram user filmed herself standing up inside the venue with no mask on, captioning her post: “My excuse is that I’m young.”
Mr Donald said the face mask rule was being enforced, with people given one warning if they were seen without one without good reason.
He spoke of his frustration about being singled out, saying he is aware of some nightclubs advertising events without a substantial meal and with little regard to the rules.
He said: “I can go to the pub, order a scotch egg and chips and watch a magician. A DJ is a live performer – what’s the difference?”
He claimed some clubs without kitchens were getting people to order takeaways while inside, to get around the food requirement.
He added: “At the end of the day, we are one of the good ones.”