Starting on Saturday, November 27th, nightclubs in the city of Berlin will operate at 50% capacity.
The capacity limits are set to stay in place until December 19th, when German officials will reassess. Entrants will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry as part of Germany’s “2G Plus” rule. The new guidance refers to restrictions on large-scale events and nightlife spaces where attendees must have one of the two “Gs”: “geimpft,” (vaccinated) or “genesen” (having had COVID-19 in the last six months).
Venues such as hotels, shops, and entertainment halls are subject to the restriction as well.
Rémi Letournelle, owner of clubs Fitzroy and Marie-Antoinette, spoke to Resident Advisor about the new rule. “In the context of my two clubs, it makes it super tough because they’re actually quite small and 50% capacity just isn’t sustainable financially for parties.”
The restrictions come as Germany sees a steady increase in COVID-19 cases around the country. Clubs in the state of Bavaria are completely shut down due to the rise. As of November 24th, 79,051 new cases have been reported with a seven-day average of 54,640 cases. 70.8% of German citizens have received one vaccine shot, while 68.1% are fully vaccinated with a total of 120 million doses given.
