Italian nightlife reopens at 50% indoor capacity as other countries & regions follow suit

With the global pandemic showing signs of slowing down, and the hospitality industry embarking on a new and exciting journey, restrictions are finally lifted across the globe. 

With Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ibiza venues imminently opening their doors, we take a look at the locations about to start their next musical chapter. 

ITALY 

The ‘OK’ has finally been received from the Technical Scientific Committee for the gradual reopening of nightclubs in white zone regions. The relaxation transition period is now underway. 

● Capacity reduced to 50% Indoors and 75% outdoors 

● Green Pass requirement 

● Mandatory masks on access and exit of the premises except for the dancefloor 

● Only clubs in ‘white coded’ areas may open.

The CTS underlines ‘how these activities are among those that present the highest risk for spread of the virus’ with masks and versi certificates the main requirement for reopening. There will be a presence of aeration systems and disposable drinking vessels. 

IBIZA 

Next week sees the reopening of venues in Ibiza. Certain restrictions will be in place to control any spread of the virus as The High Court Of Justice Of The Baleric Islandsauthorise mandatory vaccine passports. 

● 75% venue capacity 

● Mandatory mask-wearing on the dancefloor 

● No drinking whilst dancing 

● Closing times extended to 5 AM 

Only establishments with nightclub licenses will benefit from the new dance floor regulations. For smaller late-night venues, such as bars, the current 2 AM closing time will be extended to 4 AM, though social distancing, table service and the dancing ban will remain in place. All restrictions will be lifted at beaches and social gatherings. 

CATALONIA

A pass showing full vaccination status is the main requirement for the return in Catalonia. Restrictions are set to lift on October 8th. 

● 60% venue capacity 

● Proof of vaccination 

● Proof of negative COVID test 

Clubs are expected to welcome guests indoors from October 8th, with the government still finalising regulations, according to elDiario.es. Venues hosting over 10,000 guests will be allowed to accommodate up to 60 per cent of their capacity. 

Covid-19 passes will be required for entry, with the government set to roll out an app, Catalan News reports. The app will show that the holder has either completed the full vaccination process, tested negative for Covid-19 or has recovered from the virus in the past six months. 

PORTUGAL 

Only those who can present the EU digital vaccination certificate or proof of recovery will be granted access to venues from Friday 1st October. 

● Full capacity 

● Proof of vaccination 

● Proof of negative test 

For the first time since March 2020, nightclubs can operate at full capacity and with dancing, though only vaccinated guests and those with proof of recovery from Covid-19 can enter. Prime minister António Costa announced the plan on July 29th and confirmed it last Thursday, September 23rd. The news comes as double-vaccination rates hit 85 per cent. 

NORWAY 

Norway will be reopening nightlife and leaving many of the rules behind them as they do. The Norweigan clubs have been opening slowly over the past week. 

The Nordic nation officially eased all domestic rules on social gatherings this past Saturday, September 25th, allowing entertainment and culture venues to operate at full capacity. 

Some clubs in the capital city, Oslo, jumped at the chance to celebrate. 23-year-old venue Blå held a reopening party on Saturday with the launch said to be ‘insane’ via an Instagram feed post. 

Finally, we are seeing some sort of return to normality around the world as vaccine programmes prove to be successful.