Havana R&B nightclub to keep trading although ‘not sustainable’

The pioneering Gold Coast night-club which became the first to welcome back party people during the pandemic will continue to operate with a 100-patron limit but admits its “not sustainable”.

THE pioneering Gold Coast night-club which became the first to welcome back party people during the pandemic will continue to operate with a 100-patron limit but admits its “not sustainable”.

Havana R&B night spot on Surfers Paradise party strip Orchid Avneue welcomed back guests last Friday and Saturday but under strict rules including no dance floor or mingling.

Havana's team - general manager Tim Martin, and managers Alex Webb, Alana Zaidan and Eric Walkington

Havana in Surfers Paradise first nightclub to open in Queensland

It meant groups, limited to 20 patrons per “area”, could not mix with others outside their family or social group, under an Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation advisory clarifying nightclubs could open if adhering to restaurant rules.

Havana general manager Tim Martin says the venue again opened for 100 patrons maximum last night and would do so again tonight.

“Havana is the guinea pig to see where the market is at. It’s not sustainable long term to continue down that path. Last weekend was fun, people were happy to get out and we were happy to provide that. It’s about us trying to do our bit to back to normality so from that perspective it was 100 per cent a success.

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Kiwi artist Stan Walker performs at Surfers Paradise R&B nightclub Havana. Picture: Havana Facebook

“But is it something we can do longterm as a business model? No chance,” Martin says.

Martin says the ban on “mingling” among groups was proving a better experience for some due to not having to worry about unwanted attention but also a good test of friendships: “Some say it was a better experience because they didn’t have any problems with people coming up to them because they can’t. But if you have an average group of friends, that’s tough. This is a good test of friendships – can you all have a good night out just with each other.”

Martin says Surfers hotspots The Avenue and White Rhino had opened their doors and Havana wanted to be part of the precinct’s attempt to return to normal.