Preston Switch nightclub to reopen its doors this weekend

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said bowling alleys, skating rinks, and casinos can reopen from Saturday, August 1. But current rules say nightclubs, dance halls, discotheques, indoor play areas, including soft-play areas, and sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars must remain shut for the foreseeable future due to social distancing concerns.

But Switch nightclub bosses plan to re-open the Market Street venue, including all four of its rooms, for a launch event running from 10pm to 4am on Saturday to a limited capacity, after being closed for six months. However, Public Health England has instructed them to keep the ball pit closed.

In a Facebook post last Saturday, a Switch spokesperson said: "To ensure social distancing, you will only get in if you have bought a ticket online."

Its website states that customers must arrive at designated times to help ease queues and make entering the venue safer, and that there will be several one-way systems around the venue, including at the bars, toilets and the outside smoking area.

It adds that all four rooms will be opened to allow space for social distancing and that it is operating a designated cleaning team. Signs offering clear hygiene and social distancing guidance will also be displayed outside, at queue lines, on the club's TV system and around the venue.

Bosses then plan to resume club nights Quids Fridays and Switch Live Saturdays, including live performances from artists and DJs every week.

However, Preston City Council says it has not yet given the venue the green light to reopen its doors to party-goers. This is because the prime minister has not yet outlined a specific timeline for the reopening of nightclubs.

Simon Neighbour, environmental health manager at Preston City Council, said: “We are in continued communication with Switch nightclub regarding their potential re-opening, but as far as we are concerned it remains 'potential' and no decisions have been made. We have contacted the Government for clarity in the regulations that relate to nightclubs and are waiting for further information.

“The health and safety of residents, visitors and employees remains our primary concern, and until we have this information we’re unable to make any formal decisions regarding this venue or any other nightclub in the city.”

A leaked Government document reported by The Times on Saturday, June 20, suggests that clubbers may need to use hand sanitiser and have temperature checks before entry, while outside queues could be spaced out with markings.