General News
21 February, 2022
Horsham’s nightclubs get back in the groove as dance floors reopen
Horsham nightclubs reopen indoor dance spaces following the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
HORSHAM’S entertainment industry is looking to make a full return after the Victorian government recently announced that the ban on indoor dance floors would be lifted.
The easing of indoor dance floor restrictions, which came into effect at 6pm on Friday, February 18 also included the removal of density limits for hospitality venues.
The indoor mask rule, however, is to remain in place until further notice.
Wilson’s Nightclub managing director Chris Harrison said he couldn’t be happier following the announcement.
“It’s great for indoor dance floors to be back,” he said.
“We’ve had a drop in revenue and a drop in numbers through the door. The headache is people can’t get the full effect of what the dancefloor is like if they’re not dancing inside.
“Having the indoor dance space taken away has changed the dynamics of our venue because, unlike other venues, we can’t rely on other areas like meal service, meal takeaways, etcetera.
“The good thing about getting the indoor dance floor back is, not only will it increase numbers for the business again, it also increases the social outlet of people as well. It’s when you’ll get to meet new people and catch up with old faces again.”
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Mr Harrison said Victoria’s entertainment industry is a sector that has been hit extra hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the continual changing of rules and regulations adding to the financial stress.
Following the easing, The Royal Hotel Horsham hosted their first indoor live-music gig on February 19 with the band CROME.
The Royal Hotel Horsham owner Grant Fielder said he was happy to hear the news of indoor dance floor restrictions easing but revealed he had managed to find a good amount of success without it.
“It is good news that they’re allowing indoor dance floors and lifting restrictions, but I’m not sure whether I’m going to jump straight into opening up an indoor dance floor again. The outside has been working so well for us,” he said.
“We’ve been running beer garden parties every Saturday and the younger ones have been really liking that. It’s still busy.
“The masks also make things a bit difficult, too, because people don’t like dancing with masks.”