Nightclubs and music venues in the Netherlands will be able to reopen again on September 25.
The Dutch government’s latest COVID-19 guidance, announced yesterday (September 14), states that venues must close from midnight until 6am, while a "corona pass" — either proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, a recent negative test or proof of recent recovery — will be a requirement for entry to such spaces.
Other changes to the coronavirus restrictions announced this week by the Dutch government include an end to social distancing, as well as an end to capacity restrictions on outdoor events, and indoor events with seating. Indoor venues without seating can only open to 75 percent capacity, while multi-day festivals are now allowed, provided they do not run during the midnight until 6am curfew.
The new guidance marks a partial U-turn on the Dutch government’s announcement last month that nightclubs and music venues must remain closed until the start of November. Many venue operators and promoters have met the new rules with some consternation though, with the curfew restrictions leaving many clubs unable to fully reopen for night-time events.
Thousands took to the streets last month in a series of coordinated protest marches organised by the Unmute Us! group, which took place across six cities and demanded that clubs be allowed to reopen. These were followed last week by an additional wave of protests, across ten cities in the country.
