Nightclubs in The Netherlands to open for one night in protest of Covid restrictions
Nightclubs across the Netherlands are to open for one night in protest of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
According to a report by Dutch news outlet NU.nl, venue owners from across the European country will participate in the De Nacht staat op – or “the night rises” – campaign from 9pm on Saturday, 12th February.
The brainchild of nightlife organisations the OAC (Council of Amsterdam Clubs) and Nachtbelang, the campaign will see dozens of Dutch clubs, including Amsterdam’s Radio Radio, Shelter and Melkweg, as well as Ekko in Utrecht, breaking the country’s current COVID-19 guidelines in protest.
“Everyone deserves the night to get to know themselves or to just be,” explained spokesperson Joost Kimbel on behalf of the nightlife collective. “Who does not see this, is asleep. This is why the night rises, to wake up the government and everyone else.”
“It is frustrating,” said Amsterdam’s Chicago Social Club owner Pieter de Kroon. “Dutch young people need this. Their mental health is bad. And you see more and more illegal parties where it’s not safe.”
In relation to the planned one-night opening, Axel van der Lugt of Amsterdam venue Doka told Resident Advisor: “We feel that Dutch politicians failed to recognise the significance value of nightlife over the past two years.”
While the Netherlands’ current COVID-19 restrictions are set to remain in place until 8th March, today (Monday, 7th February) Dutch government officials are said to be meeting with nightlife representatives to discuss the plans.
