Nightclubs in the Netherlands were set to resume on September 1st. Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, however, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has introduced a guidance requiring that they remain closed until a coronavirus vaccine is discovered.
Rutte made the announcement during a Tuesday press conference along with a number of other restriction updates. Among them are bans on outdoor events and an alcohol consumption cutoff in public areas from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM. A capacity of 30 people will be mandated for venues hosting performances.
Anticipating the impact of the new guidelines, the Dutch Performing Arts Fund has expanded funding for the Stage Start Scheme. IQ Magazine reports that €6.5 million has been allocated for small and medium sized venues, allowing them to pay reasonable wages and make up for losses on programming up to €1,500 per day.
The aid is additional to €150 million set aside last month as part of the Netherlands’ €482 million cultural relief package. Many in nightlife remained dissatisfied after it was announced in early September, and a group of 500 demonstrators gathered to protest nightlife bans on Amsterdam’s Museumplein on September 5th.
The aforementioned restrictions went into effect in the Netherlands on Wednesday, October 14th.
Image credit: Alexander Popov
