Nightclubs in Italy set to reopen at "35% capacity"

After nearly two years, nightclubs will be allowed to open back up across Italy according to the Technical-Scientific Committee (CTS).

The gradual reopening date has yet to be confirmed by the Italian government, although Milan’s Mayor, Beppe Sala, said last week that it’s now time to "reopen the discos and clubs with all the relevant rules and the Green Pass.”

The 'Green Pass' will act as a certificate for entry into clubs, much like the UK equivalent of the COVID pass.

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Green Passes will become mandatory for workers in Italy from mid-October, meaning everyone must have one or more of the usual trio: a negative test, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery. If you can’t provide a Green Pass, you might face suspension from work and pay.

Now, Green Passes will also be mandatory for entry to nightclubs and bars - along with masks while indoors, although these can be removed while dancing.

A date for the reopening has yet to be set but could be seen in the coming weeks. According to the CTS, clubs will only be allowed to open at 35% capacity indoors, and 50% capacity outdoors.

The CTS also warned that nightclubs can “present the highest risks for the spread of the virus”, and ask attendees to stay vigilant upon the return of nightlife.

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Meanwhile, the president of the Italian Trade Union for Dance Clubs (SILB), Maurizio Pasca, also argued that "conditions are not favourable, because they will affect costs” while pushing for the government to review the capacity limits.

The CTS is hoping for these limits to be upped to 100% outdoors with 80% indoors in areas with lower cases, deemed ‘white zones’.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter