Alibi’s set to open Wednesday

Jul 21, 2020 | 5:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Alibi’s Show-Lounge will be reopening Wednesday night and, like everywhere else, it will look a little different. First and foremost, masks will be worn by all staff and recommended for customers, reservations are also recommended; other changes include the dance floor being closed, plexiglass will be set up, and total capacity is at half.

Management hopes taking a little extra time to come back will make for a smooth transition back to business while focusing on its COVID safety plan. During the time off, ownership took advantage right away with some renovations but now the finishing touches are being put on. Although it could have re-opened a little while ago, the management team decided it was best to wait.

“Initially, it was a 50 person capacity and for us, 50 people was just not enough to make it worthwhile,” explained Bernie Schneider, 1st Avenue Tavern Owner. “So we sat and waited until there were some adjustments, until some other people and bars have opened so that we could get a sort of lay of the land on how far we could go and what we needed to do to reopen successfully.”

But even with all the health and safety provisions in place, still some concern. In recent months, a couple of strip clubs in Vancouver became a small hub for spreading the coronavirus. The Provincial Health Officer still pleading people follow the COVID safety plans, “we need to balance the impacts of with the measures that we have to increase people’s safety,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday. “Yes, we do have COVID safety plans. Those plans need to be adhered to and we need to have the means to ensure people recognize them and are not breaking those rules.”

Dr. Henry said Monday they will be coming out with some enhanced restrictions around how night clubs and bars operate, as well as how to enhance inspections from both WorkSafeBC and public health authorities. That is expected to be released later this week.