Austria nightclubs open up without curfew

The easing of the rules created chaos in Vienna as partygoers flocked to their favourite venues to celebrate. Long queues formed outside many of the clubs, some more manageable than others as temperatures soared. 

The relaxation is not limited. Both indoor and outdoor dance floors can now open all night long whilst face coverings are not mandatory. Capacity embargos have also lifted in the main. Nightclubs can operate at 75%, with the rest of the hospitality sector running a normal schedule. 

However, there is a catch. 

You can only enter an establishment with proof of vaccination or a negative test by way of certification. This includes nightclubs, restaurants, bars, hairdressers and theatres. If no valid form of documentation is provided, entry will not be permitted. 

Georg Hoanzl, the co-founder of Theater Im Park, spoke regarding this move. 

“It has become much more complex because proof of vaccination, testing or recovery has to be provided, and then, of course, we have to look across the entire site to see if all the regulations are being adhered to.” 

Hoanzl believes that the hospitality sector has been the most strictly controlled. “Our guests are safer here with us than if they were at home with a friend or a neighbour.” 

The City of Vienna provides free PCR and Antigen tests at almost every access point. This testing policy has led to Austria having one of the highest testing rates in the world. 

Vienna officials are not so optimistic or comfortable with the relaxation. A strong belief that the requirements set by the central government do not go far enough. Austria’s Medical Association is continuing to warn people not to be complacent given the highly contagious delta variant of the virus.