This article was written before a surge in cases caused some countries to reimpose restrictions. Information on each countries reopening has been updated as of the publishing date.
With vaccination numbers on the rise and active COVID cases at a record low in most countries, we are slowly emerging into a post-COVID world. This long-awaited time is joining us with good company: the return of the dance floor. EDM lovers and club-goers alike have missed the experience of being able to hit the dance floor and dance with a crowd to some of their favorite songs.
It is safe to say that in many parts of the world, their yearning can come to an end. As summer approaches, many cities in the United States and other countries have reopened their club life. While some cities have deemed it safe to fully reopen and lift all social distancing measures, others are taking it one step at a time. Here is what summer clubbing will look like in some places around the world:
Ibiza
The island that used to be a center of dance music had to halt its nightlife for over a year as Ibiza followed tight lockdown restrictions. However, in early June this year, the government allowed nightclubs to originally reopen with a catch––a 3 A.M. closing time. This is been reduced to 12:30am, after a surge of new cases. While this may seem like plenty of time for some, the lively scene of Ibiza is used to partying all night. Nonetheless, the dance floor is a much anticipated and highly welcomed return, especially considering the local economy in the island depends substantially on its nightlife.
San Diego
As California fully reopened at the end of June, the coastal city of San Diego rumbled back to life, another hotspot for nightlife and clubbing. It is estimated that over 200,000 residents of San Diego worked in the live event industry and were impacted when the business shut down in March of 2020.
The return of the dance floor in San Diego came without any form of governmental restriction, but many businesses took it upon themselves to adopt a couple of safety measures: plexiglass, hand sanitizer stations, temperature checks, masks for staff, etc.
France
While the government allowed nightclubs to reopen this July, they warned that the celebration might be short-lived as the Delta variant of COVID-19, a more contagious kind, is on course to becoming the dominant strain in France. They have also implemented a few safeguards: club capacity remains capped at 75 percent, and proof of vaccination or a recent negative test will be the barrier to entry.
One would assume that clubs would rush to rally the crowd following these new regulations, but it seems that many clubs are still reluctant to open. The main reason for this is likely given that less than a quarter of residents aged 18-29 (a key clubbing demographic in France) is fully vaccinated currently.
Netherlands
Home to many top international EDM DJs, as well as the Amsterdam Dance Event, the nightlife in the Netherlands is one that the Dutch and tourists alike are hoping to flock to this summer. Following the latest government regulations, it seems that it might be safe to start searching for the best plane tickets: in late June, the country entered its fourth phase of reopening, ushering open the nightclubs. Originally, the reopening began on June 26th, four days earlier than the initial date of June 30th, as case numbers and the local economy signaled a good reaction to the third phase, however on July 9th some of the restrictions were reimposed.
The reimposed restrictions are slated to be in place until August 13th.
