Berlin loosens restrictions on clubbing with outdoor parties

Image by Camille Blake 

After laying dormant in the face of Covid-19 lockdown, Berlin has begun to reopen its nightlife sector. The process began when the city hosted its first legal dance party in over a year on Sunday, June 13th at Revier Südost.

The open air ‘pilot’ rave was attended by 300 people, all of whom either had to test negative for Covid-19 on the day of the event or had to have been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior. All those who attended would also agree to be tested ten days after the event, and during the party agreed to wear a tracking device for the duration of the night. 

The event was an initiative of Hygiene Concepts and Infection Protection In The Event Industry (Hygieia), an interdisciplinary project which was founded to explore ways to safely return to hosting live events in Berlin. The party was headlined by renowned German techno and IDM producer Ellen Allien. 

Following this, the city announced that it will begin to loosen its restrictions on clubbing from Friday, June 18th. Outdoor dance events are now permitted with a capacity of 250 people, on the condition that those who attended must present a recent negative PCR test and adhere to mask wearing and distancing guidelines. Berlin authorities have also lifted the city’s 00:00-05:00 alcohol ban, and neighbouring state Brandenburg announced they will allow outdoor dance events with a capacity of up to 1000 people.