Edmonton New Year's Eve event planners frustrated by public health rules
CBC
Make way for a new New Year's Eve tradition — cancellations.
Despite attempts to follow public health measures, some organizers say growing cases of COVID-19 in Alberta and new restrictions have kiboshed their events to welcome 2022.
Adding to the frustration are measures that make some gatherings impractical while others will allow hundreds of revellers to convene.
"There's been no consistency," said Rob Browatzke, co-owner of the Evolution Wonderlounge in downtown Edmonton. "Entertainment and hospitality industries have been the scapegoat for the entire duration of the pandemic."
With news last week that bars and restaurants must limit patrons to their own tables, and dancing, darts and billiards forbidden, Evolution's owners decided to shut down until Jan. 12.
The provincial health orders say bars must stop alcohol service at 11 p.m. and close down by 12:30 a.m.
It's not practicable to host a New Year's Eve countdown party with these limits, Browatzke said. Evolution cancelled a New Year's Eve party with drag performers and DJs.
But as of Thursday evening, other celebrations in Edmonton that fit within the rules were a-go.
West Edmonton Mall's World Waterpark is holding a New Year's Eve Beach Ball, with a live DJ, buffet and roaming mascots.
Spokesperson Lily Lien says the water park will run at half capacity, and there will be no dancing. Mascots will keep their distance from guests and people can only consume food and drink while seated, among other measures to keep symptomatic people away. She said the event will meet all public health rules.
Other venues that have listed indoor New Year's Eve events include trampoline parks, and bars with bands slated to perform.
"I certainly am carrying a little bit of bitterness toward governments that seem to be implementing these rules with no consistency or no backup plan in place to offer supports," Browatzke said.
He'd like to see the province offer another round of grants to aid small businesses battered by public health restrictions.
Justin Braatinga, press secretary to Jobs, Economy and Innovation Minister Doug Schweitzer, said the government is watching the situation and will "provide further supports if deemed necessary."
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