Nightclubs and venues in the Netherlands are allowed to reopen on Saturday the 26th of June.

This means that venues can open as the clock strikes midnight this Friday, and some venues such as Amsterdam’s Paradisco will be doing just that, as opening their doors at 12 AM on Saturday, they have a Reinier Zonneveld booked to play a DJ set.

This will be the first time that clubs in Holland have been able to open since March 2020, so this is a landmark moment for Dutch clubbers.

Although venues can open at full capacity, those wishing to attend still need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test at least 40 hours beforehand to be allowed entry. Starting on July 1, a vaccination or recovery certificate will also be accepted for approved entry to a venue. Once inside the club, no social distancing or mask-wearing will be required.

According to the Dutch government’s original plan for the country leaving lockdown, nightclubs and music venues were originally expected to open on the 30th of June, but they have brought the date forward due to a successful vaccination program and low infection rates.

The news came yesterday when the Netherlands decided to go ahead with the fourth phase of the country’s reopening. Phase three went ahead around two weeks ago, and saw cafes, bars, and restaurants open for indoor service. There was also an increase in the number of home visitors allowed at any one time.

Announcing the new changes, the official Dutch government website reads: “Under step four, events where guests don’t have an assigned seat, will be allowed subject to 1.5-metre distancing or entry passes, as well as other conditions.

“Examples include festivals, concerts and funfairs. However, these events must take account of local rules and requirements, such as permits. Discotheques and nightclubs also fall under this provision.”