Nightclubs in Cornwall can reopen... with no music or dancing
They have to operate as pubs under the latest guidelines
Nightclubs have been told that they can reopen their doors, but only if they operate as pubs and have no music or dancing.
Cornwall Council’s licensing team has explained the rules and regulations set by the government for nightclubs as part of the current coronavirus restrictions.
Some people had been questioning whether bars with dancefloors and nightclubs were able to open in Cornwall under the current guidelines.
And it has been revealed that while nightclubs cannot open as nightclubs if they open as pubs and follow the same guidelines as pubs then they are allowed. This means that they would not be allowed to have any music playing and dancing would not be permitted.
In a statement Cornwall Council’s licensing team explained: “It is true that the regulations state that nightclubs must remain closed.
“They also state that dance halls, discotheques, and any other venue which opens at night, has a dance floor or other space for dancing by members of the public, and provides music (live or recorded) for dancing must also remain closed. However, if they cease to provide music and dancing then they can open.
“There is no definition of a nightclub. Licences issued do not limit them to being a nightclub, pub, dance hall, restaurant, etc – the operator decides how they describe their premises. The licence allows provision of entertainment / entertainment facilities / sale of alcohol etc.
“Therefore, a nightclub cannot open, but if they re-purpose so that they are no longer a nightclub and want to be a pub instead they could re-purpose and not operate as a nightclub, and follow the gov.uk guidance for performing arts if providing any entertainment.”
Cornwall Council licensing team