Aussie Nightclubs Fail First Test Of Social Distancing

The live sector expressed “disappointment” that some venues and a festival failed the first tests in social distancing after some states allowed them to reopen under strict conditions.

Nightclubs in South Australia and Queensland reopened for the first weekend of July and patrons could drink and listen to music but not dance. But patrons still jam-packed dance floors and were seen shoulder-to-shoulder in queues, so South Australia officials ruled to close all nightclubs for two weeks until they submitted a COVID management plan. 

Adelaide operators called the new rules “unrealistic.” West End Association president Andrew Wallace said authorities had not asked for a management plan. ‘As much as we completely understand the need for a considered approach towards reopening … when a decision is made, the processes need to be in place so small businesses have a clear application,’ he said.

Some Queensland clubs are being investigated and face steep fines. Jason Hirt, president of the Brisbane strip’s Fortitude Valley Safe Night Precinct, said his members were “appalled and outraged. We are all playing by the rules and getting it right, so we are very disappointed.”

Despite a contravention of the 20-people cap on gatherings, promoters of a 1,000-person dance party on a Byron Bay farm escaped an A$11,000 ($7,681) fine and copped a reprimand. 

In June, Melbourne nightclub Love Machine was fined A$10,000 ($6,982) for 50 attendees.

In Queensland Moxy’s Rooftop Bar in Coolangatta and Royal on Ninety-Nine in Roma were fined A$6,672 ($4,658) each for not collecting contact lists of patrons for tracing.