The first clubs opened their doors on Saturday evening as part of the ‘The Night is on’ action, against the corona measures. At Poppodium 013 in Tilburg, just after 9 p.m., the first visitors trickled in. The first guests have also arrived at the Eindhoven pop stage de Effenaar. The clubs are throwing open their doors in protest against the corona measures, despite the fact that municipalities are threatening with fines.
“When the doors were opened, it was a bit quieter than expected,” says 013 spokesman Joost van Abeelen. “Then you notice that the pubs are still open. It gets really full here around ten o’clock.”
On the other hand, 013 expected the fanatic revelers to arrive a little earlier in their dance hall. “Due to the early closing time last summer, you saw that people were able to peak really early. We secretly hoped that it would still be the case, but I think it only really gets going around eleven o’clock,” adds Van Abeelen.
Both halls of the Tilburg pop stage are open on Saturday evening. “There is so much positive energy when you go on a school trip,” the spokesperson continues. “I can’t wait for the public to go wild later. That gives such a euphoric feeling.”
The 1,300 cards were gone within one minute in Tilburg. “There is room for more people, but we consciously limit it. That keeps it manageable and then people can still keep some distance.”
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The pop stage was closed for months due to the corona measures. “From a standstill we now suddenly have to run again. The people are still a bit rusty and have to get back in, but they are professional and well trained enough to get such an evening off the ground quickly.”
The municipality has already announced that it will impose a fine of 10,000 euros. He takes 013 for granted. “I don’t expect enforcement. But if we are fined or have to evict, we accept that. We also call on our visitors to be compliant. There is no extra security, but an extra message to the public is good. It’s a special evening.”
Subbar in Eindhoven also participates in the protest, but closes its doors already around midnight. “I’m already bonkers,” laughs night mayor Siem Nozza. He has just finished his speech to the partying audience and is relaxing with a beer. “We had to have a lot of conversations in order to eventually reach this compromise with Mayor Jorritsma. Compared to other cities in the Netherlands, he is quite lenient.”
The party started in Subbar at seven o’clock in the evening. “And I think everyone thinks that’s fine. Night owls have also simply gone to bed early in the past two years. People have to get used to it again.”
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N8club in Helmond will also open its doors on Saturday evening from 11 p.m. “What support. Our protest is completely sold out. We can’t wait, we’re going to dance again,” the club writes on Facebook.
On the eve, owner Thomas van Kooten had some healthy tension. “You’re going to do something that isn’t allowed, but it’s death or the gladiolus.” By this, the owner is referring to what, in his opinion, is an impossible policy regarding night catering. “We have to open today because of the income, but also as a statement to The Hague. Soon corona will no longer exist anywhere, except in the night catering industry. That is just not fair.”
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The hefty fine will probably also be handed out in Helmond, but Van Kooten is less afraid of enforcement. “If they want to send everyone out, then I wish them the best of luck.”
De Effenaar and Dynamo (Haven) in Eindhoven are also participating in the action. LAB-1 in Eindhoven and Carrousel in Uden declined to participate for fear of measures taken by the municipality.
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