Even though nightclubs in B.C. will be able to open next month as part of Step 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan, the owner of The Blue Grotto in Kamloops says it is not worth it given the restrictions that will be in place.
Speaking on the NL Morning News, owner Pup Johnston, says as long as there are any restrictions are in place, it will hard to deliver a “nightclub experience” to people.
“We’ve survived. You know, all those great of euphemisms. There’s light at the end of the tunnel but that tunnel still is September away from now,” he said. “The July 2 opening that people are reading about, we don’t know if we are going to be able to give that nightclub experience under those restrictions.”
“I’ve talked to a lot of other nightclub owners around the Interior and the Lower Mainland, and we’re all pretty confident that September 7 is the better day to open. It is no fun only being 50 people in the building.”
Asked by NL News what those restrictions could be, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation says the government is working with the hospitality sector on what a safe-reopening could look like.
“As we move through the steps, the Province’s priority is keeping people safe as we start to rebuild social connections,” Lori Cascaden said, in an email. “We appreciate that people and businesses are eager for more information about the next steps in our re-opening plan.”
“We’ve been working closely with the hospitality industry on what a safe reopening of nightclubs will look like and will have more to say as we move towards Step 3.
Johnston admits he is looking forward to reopening in a couple of months, adding he’s already booked some live bands to play at The Blue Grotto in September.
“On the first weekend, the 10th and the 11th, I’m going have to boys from Forum play, then its going to be Jim Cochran and the Serious Dogs, then its going to be Kamloops favourite band, Shattered Blue,” he added. “And then on the September 23, speaking of international acts, I’ve got punk superstars D.O.A. coming in.”
Restrictions like the cap on how many people can sit together at a table will be eased when B.C. moves to Step 3, currently expected to happen on July 1. That is also when restrictions on when alcohol can be served will also be lifted allowing businesses to sell alcohol after midnight.
“Personally, I’m looking forward to live music,” B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association President, Ian Tostenson, said on NL Newsday. “But the way its going right now…we are heading for almost normal so we are probably going to see the resumption of dancing and singing, assuming the numbers are going in the right way, and they are.”
Earlier this month, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry said COVID-19 could be nearly entirely wiped out by September if vaccine uptake continues to be high and people limit their contacts to 70 per cent of normal.