Fears lockdown laws could destroy Melbourne’s iconic nightlife
Despite the lifting of social distancing restrictions on the horizon, many businesses within Melbourne’s iconic nightclub industry are still fearful of the long-term impacts of lockdown laws.
Fiona Byrne
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Melbourne nightclub owners want social distancing exemptions and government financial support, warning our vibrant night life could be irretrievably damaged without them.
Martha Tsamis, who operates the nightclubs, Chasers and Inflation, said social distancing restrictions that are expected to be in place as the lockdown rules ease would make it impossible for clubs and bars to trade successfully.
“The majority of nightclub owners were living week to week before the crisis and
will not have the finances or trading surety to reopen,” Ms Tsamis said.
“Our industry will likely be changed forever unless the state, federal
and local governments recognise the important role we play and provide us with
strong financial support measures as they are doing to other industries.”
She said measures needed to be put in place to allow nightclubs to operate while maintaining the safety of patrons.
“Our industry cannot operate under current social distancing rules. It would neither
be financially viable or practical to operate under these circumstances both inside
the venue and controlling queues outside,” she said.
“What we can do is screen patrons in queues and at the door with temperature
readings and have hand sanitisers units at the doors, bars, and in toilets.
“We can put up screens at bars to protect our staff and encourage cashless
purchasing and other similar measures.”
Nick Russian, who owned the legendary Eve nightclub and is set to open Bar Bambi later this year, said social distancing and restricted numbers in venues cast a cloud over the viability of bars and nightspots
“Gatherings of no more than 100 or one person per four square meters, if they go to those kind of measures the business is not viable, that is the reality, it is just not a viable option,” Mr Russian said.
“My true belief is eventually, it is inevitable, they will have to open everything up.
“We just have to sit there and wait.”
Matt Darcy, co-owner of The Albion in South Melbourne, a hybrid bar, pub, nightclub venue, said it could take up to three years for business to recover from the impact of COVID-19.
“Social distancing, that is the key,” Mr Darcy said.
“We rely on big numbers. We are relying on dancefloors where people are close to each other and until we can get to a point where we can open fully there is no point in opening for us because we are just going to lose money.
“We are praying the restrictions get lifted soon and if there is some social distancing it is only for a short period of time.
“It is pretty unique to be able to go to the pub and watch the footy with your mates and have a beer and to be able to have a dance with your girlfriend and that is our product and we need patrons to be able to create that vibe.”
Daniel Centofanti from Collective Establishments, which operates the CBD nightclubs Bond and Baroq, said venues would have to adjust to the new normal of the COVID-19 era.
“Being that we are in uncharted territory here it is hard to give a definitive answer but I believe everything is recoverable and people and venues will continue to evolve the best they possibly can to meet restrictions and ensure patrons health and safety,” Mr Centofanti said.
Simon Lennox who operates Wink Wink in Prahran said the nightclub industry had faced many challenges over the years and survived.
“The industry is a survivor and there will always be a place for people to feel free to express themselves through dance, dress and individuality,” Mr Lennox said.
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