Queensland Nightclubs Are Reopening This Friday, But There’s One Big Catch
Well, this will be interesting.
While certain parts of Victoria are struggling to contain a surge in coronavirus infections, and the state once again implements lockdowns, it’s a very different story up in the Sunshine State.
Queensland is lifting a number of restrictions from noon this Friday, with up to 100 people being allowed to gather indoors, and up to 10,000 people allowed at events if a COVID-19 plan is in place.
Additionally, there will no longer be a limit on patron numbers in pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants — provided venues comply with a one person per four metre rule. Smaller venues, with floor space between 100 and 200 square metres, can have up to 50 people.
Music venues and nightclubs can also reopen — but with one very big catch. According to The Brisbane Times reporter Lydia Lynch, if you head to a nightclub in Queensland, you will have to remain seated. That is, no dancing unless you’re having a bop in your seat.
Helpfully, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said “you can listen to the music”, which is certainly a true fact, but that may not fill the void in clubbers’ hearts.
Nightclubs will reopen in Queensland on Friday but patrons will have to stay seated 😂@AnnastaciaMP says “you can listen to the music”.
— Lydia Lynch (@LydiaLynch101) June 30, 2020
Predictably, the caveat delighted everyone on Twitter.
Sitting calmly in a Fortitude Valley club on a sticky couch that was velvet, once, tapping my foot gently to Be Faithful by Fatman Scoop. Several of the Brisbane Broncos are also there, sitting and drinking beers at a sensible distance. https://t.co/xKXPPtxvhf
— Eliza Barr (@ElizaJBarr) June 30, 2020
It does sound kind of relaxing. https://t.co/bExAlNSoLd
— Annabel Crabb (@annabelcrabb) June 30, 2020
This is perfect for me https://t.co/yGZs8JhFxn
— Bec Shaw (@Brocklesnitch) June 30, 2020
To be clear, you can play indoor contact sports but you cannot stand or dance in a nightclub. https://t.co/4EFdMVRQIa
— The Abominable Snowblower (@mjoneillnoise) June 30, 2020
Queensland is reopening its nightclubs, but "patrons must be seated, so packed dance floors remain off-limits" according to the @brisbanetimes
which I assume will mean incredible scenes like thishttps://t.co/USERPOwZsy
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) June 30, 2020
Also, only clapping on the on-beat will be allowed. https://t.co/i0cMIIlZrp
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) June 30, 2020
Some nightclubs in Europe have already been testing out seated and spaced dancefloors. Earlier this month, Doornroosje nightclub in the Netherlands hosted a short set with 30 people in attendance.
“It’s still very cool,” promoter Jonatan Brand tole Reuters. “People are still dancing, although they are on the chair, they’re fist-pumping, they’re moving their bodies, so — it’s great.”
And hey, it’s worth remembering that plenty of people already enjoy nightclubs while seated — so perhaps it’s time to get on board and practice some chair dancing.