Dozens of glammed up revellers hit the streets in the hopes of dancing the night away as clubbing finally returned to Australia.
Havana RnB Nightclub on the Gold Coast reopened its doors to revellers at 10pm on Friday night following nine weeks of closure due to the coronavirus restrictions.
And while the partygoers were ready to let loose, social distancing rules meant the night was far tamer than normal.
The venue can hold up to 500 people, but due to social distancing restrictions the club was limited to 100 people.
Upon entry, all guests had provide their name, address and phone number to ensure contact tracing can take place if an outbreak occurs.
Partygoers were also banned from busting a move on the dance floor and mingling with other patrons outside of their social group was forbidden.
Tables were spread apart to ensure a safe 1.5metre distance.
These women were dressed to impress, sporting heels and short dresses for the opening night
A scantily-clad bartender pours some shots for patrons at Havana club on Friday night
Two groups of revellers keep their distance inside the club – mingling with others outside your group was banned
Havana RnB Nightclub on the Gold Coast was the first club in Australia amid COVID-19 restrictions
Arrows and crosses were dotted on the floor to make it easier for people to know where to stand.
Security guards were on hand to monitor patrons to ensure all safety measures were being followed and that no one was put at risk.
Despite the rules, revellers were still ready for a good time.
Dozens of young women were seen dressed to impressed – some in heels and sequinned dresses – for the opening night.
There were about 80 people at the club on Friday night, they were spread out in five different sections.
Club owner Tim Martin said he was ‘happy to be back’ as the club worked to adapt to the new coronavirus restrictions in place.
‘It was a big decision to open but we’ve got to get going and get moving,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
Tim Martin (middle), the owner, said he is ‘happy to be back’ as the club works to adapt to the new coronavirus restrictions in place
Havana RnB Nightclub on the Gold Coast reopened its doors to revellers at 10pm on Friday night as glamorous patrons lined up to get a taste of normalcy
A partygoer shows her ID to a security guard as nightclub Havana reopens its doors for the first time in nine weeks
A glamorous young couple have a laugh while seated at the club on Friday night
Mr Martin became aware of the easing of restrictions about 8pm on Thursday after the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation sent out an update on the new rules.
He then made the spontaneous decision to open the next day.
‘It’s important to stay relevant in your industry and stay ahead of the game,’ Mr Martin explained.
Feeling pressure due to being the first club to reopen, Mr Martin expected to turn people away due to limits on numbers.
‘We’re expecting to be pretty busy…to have a solid night,’ he said.
However, he said he would not impose a time limit on guests to allow others to enter the venue, explaining that it would be hard to monitor.
Clubbers are forced to socially distance from others by remaining seated at their allocated tables
A group of young party-goers ignore social distancing rules to pose for a picture together at the club
A group of girls got all glammed up for a night on the town – however, the dance floor was off-limits die to coronavirus restrictions
‘We’re just playing it by ear as this is new territory for us as well and it’s very difficult to restrict people on what they’re doing.’
He said the 15 staff members he’s bringing back to work are ‘excited’ to be back after sitting at home for an excruciating nine weeks.
‘The staff are all very excited to be back and we want to get to normal as soon as possible as quick as possible.
‘It’s a great feeling and we’re happy to be the first club to reopen.’
Mr Martin explained that this won’t be a long term plan as they test the waters with Havana and see the outcome of Friday and Saturday night.
A group of women pose for a photo while seated at a table inside the club
The club appeared eerily empty as the venue was only allowed to have 100 people inside
A woman has her ID checked by security on the way into the venue om Friday night
‘Social engagement is important for people’s mental health, we’re definitely happy to be back.’
The reopening of the first nightclub comes a week after a National Cabinet meeting where Prime Minister Scott Morrison said nightclubs are ‘not on the agenda’.
‘In terms of nightclubs, that is not on the agenda. We have seen overseas that has been one of the areas of failure when nightclubs have opened,’ he said.
He explained that each state is responsible for when they move ahead with what restrictions to ease.
Revellers were dressed to impress for the first night on the town as a nightclub finally reopens
Club owner Tim Martin pops champagne as he poses for a photo with two female staff members