Editor in chief at IamExpat Media
If you’ve missed shaking your money maker in Watergate or just being turned away by the Berghain bouncer, then rejoice, because Berlin’s infamous nightlife will be pumping at full speed once again this Friday night - for vaccinated and recovered people only.
The club scene in Berlin will be one of the last sectors in Germany’s capital city to return to full operation, the state government announced this week. A new policy will allow nightclubs to open their indoor areas to revellers, and do away with the mask requirement - so long as all attendees are either vaccinated against or have previously recovered from COVID-19.
Over the summer, the city did allow venues to reopen outdoor areas to clubbers who were vaccinated, recovered, or tested, so long as everyone wore a mask. However, last month an administrative court ruled that the city’s ban on public dance events could not be upheld for the vaccinated and recovered. This change in policy is the city complying with the judge’s order, according to State Health Minister Dilek Kalayci.
The new rules will also apply in saunas and public baths, and marks a slight shift in Berlin towards a “2G” set of rules in some venues, although the city is steering clear of imposing a blanket 2G order that would see public spaces only open to vaccinated or recovered people.
Last month, the state of Hamburg opted to let individual businesses decide whether they would like to adopt 2G or 3G rules. If they only admit vaccinated or recovered patrons, they are allowed to do away with some restrictions, such as mask wearing and social distancing requirements.