It’s clear as mud after today’s government announcement on easing of restrictions, which just further highlights what a lack of understanding that the government have about the live events and nightclubs sector. Confusion reigns.
Nightclubs
Nightclubs can reopen with the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate). Specific rules will be developed for the operation of nightclubs which are likely to also feature “contact tracing data collection and wearing of facemasks except when eating, drinking and dancing”.
You may also be required to wear a mask when not dancing or drinking.
Specific sectoral guidelines have yet to be released.
Nightclubs are due to open in 72 hours, this Friday.
Live events
For some reason, Nightclubs and live gigs are being treated differently.
Indoor
Despite hundreds of live indoor events sold to full capacity in the coming weeks, today’s guidelines say “indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events audience/spectators should be fully seated (standing permitted at your seat), ” which means, unless specific guidance is released it seems all of the upcoming live gigs will have to be rescheduled, cancelled or postponed.
For some reason, at a gig you need a seat to stand up at? And standing gigs are not possible based off this decision?
The government keep talking about anomalies around different rules here, so right now, live music events are due to open on Friday in 72 hours time.
Outdoor
COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure appropriate protective measures are in place.
Organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place, and where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply. Fixed capacity limits will not apply to these indoor and outdoor group activities
You’d have to have huge sympathy for those in the entertainment and nightlife sector who are now told they’ll be given “guidelines” (famously not legally binding) for how they’re due to operate in 80 hours from now
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 19, 2021
Hospitality – Pubs and restaurants
Table service only in hospitality settings (max of 10 adults per table, and max 15 including children)
Weddings
Weddings amd religious services can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place.
Antigen Testing
The government said they are now encouraging people who are attending events to self-test with antigen tests.
The Department of Arts & Culture response
“The Department welcomes the Government announcement which provides for the next stage in the return of hospitality, live entertainment, culture, sport and which includes the reopening of nightclubs,” a statement said.
“This will provide some much needed relief to sectors that have seen the greatest levels of restriction during the period of the pandemic. Departmental officials are urgently working on the detailed guidelines signalled by Government, underpinned by the Work Safely Protocol, with a view to ensuring they are in place as early as possible.
“The Department understands that there are some clarifications and anomalies which need to be worked through and will be engaging with the Department of An Taoiseach, sectoral and other stakeholders over the coming hours and days to find resolutions to any issues which may arise.”
