NIGHTCLUBS are gearing up to reopen their doors this weekend as lockdown finally lifts.
Thousands of fun-starved Brits are expected to hit dancefloors across England from midnight on Sunday to celebrate Freedom Day.
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Cleaning operations are in full swing to ensure things are spick and span come July 19.
Staff at Newcastle’s Powerhouse nightclub have had the vacuum cleaners out to make sure its light-up dancefloor is sparkling.
And a worker was pictured in a hazmat suit as he sprayed the venue with disinfectant.
Powerhouse is one of several venues hosting midnight “freedom” parties as restrictions end.
G-Bar in Liverpool has said it will operate “as normal” as the clock strikes 12 and “dancing is essential”.
And Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall’s South Shields nightclub, Industry, is also set for a midnight opening.
Demand has been so high for parties in the early hours some places have been forced to make events ticketed – with many almost sold out.
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Monday marks the great unlocking, with masks and social distancing becoming optional in most places.
Nightclubs and other large-scale event organisers have been advised to ask revellers to provide proof they have had two Covid vaccines or a negative test.
But the industry has widely condemned the “guidance” – and partygoers won’t need Covid passports to enter most venues.
The UK’s biggest nightclub chain Rekom, which owns brands including Pryzm and Eden, won’t use the certificates from July 19.
Chief executive Peter Marks said he was “thrilled” to be able to reopen at full capacity on Monday, and his 42 venues will not have any formal requirements.
He said the passport would “create a barrier to both customer enjoyment and getting the industry back on its feet”.
RARING TO GO
Mr Marks added: “We’re able to open in this way because nightclubs in particular are among the best equipped venues in the hospitality sector, and indeed were even prior to the pandemic, for the exact safety measures that are required to reduce the spread of the virus.
“These include air ventilation systems in all our venues which change air every five minutes on average, sanitisation stations throughout all our clubs, increased frequency of cleaning schedules compared to before the pandemic, and highly trained staff and experienced door staff who are well-versed in crowd management protocols.
“Together, these measures mean that clubs are well placed to open and provide unforgettable nights out once again.”
The Night Time Industries Association agrees, saying the government was right not to force venues to ask for Covid passports.
NTIA chief executive Michael Kill said: “Much of the night time economy relies on spontaneous consumers, and by permitting businesses to opt out, the Government have allowed for this trade to continue.”
Clubs are well placed to open and provide unforgettable nights out once again.
Peter Marks
Clubbers at venues that decide to follow the new guidance may be asked to prove their coronavirus status through the main NHS app – not the Covid contact tracing one.
Thankfully, revellers won’t have to wear face coverings as the end of mandatory mask wearing has been extended to the sector.
But Boris Johnson has begged Brits not to go crazy next week as Covid restrictions are eased – and stressed July 19 should not be “treated as a great jubilee”.
The PM said: “It is absolutely vital that we proceed now with caution and I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough: this pandemic is not over.
“This disease, coronavirus, continues to carry risks for you and your family.
“We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday July 19 to life as it was before Covid.”
The last 18 months have been extremely difficult year for clubs, with most unable to reopen at all even when other sections of the hospitality industry were able to operate with restrictions.
Before the pandemic, night time economy businesses, which includes late night pubs, entertainment venues and nightclubs, had an annual turnover of £92billion.
It is now thought an estimated £80billion has been lost during the course of the pandemic.
Inside Pryzm nightclub as we take a look at what clubbing will be like after July 19
