After a Berlin club operator filed a lawsuit, the Berlin administrative court has lifted the indoor dancing ban in an emergency decision. Since August 20th, people in Berlin can visit clubs again – as long as they’re vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19.
According to the court, unvaccinated people don’t have increased protection against infections or severe progressions. Additionally, they found that tests only serve as a snapshot that doesn’t ensure one’s safety from contracting or spreading the virus.
The decision was based on findings that repercussions of gatherings with recently recovered or vaccinated guests are manageable. These effects are “likely to be disproportionate” to the restrictions preventing club operators from running their businesses.
This is the second time since March 2020 that a court in Germany lifted the indoor dancing ban. Additionally, the Hamburg administrative court decided in favor of a wedding last week.
Last week, Berlin introduced the 3G ruling. This means that from today onwards you can only access restaurants, gyms, or cinemas if you’re either vaccinated, recently recovered or tested. Clubs and discos have been the only exception, while in other German states dancing has been allowed.
Last week’s judgement effectively marks the start of this years clubbing season in Berlin – although it still can be fought at the high administrative court of Berlin-Brandenburg.