Metallica tribute band 'Masters of Justice' performed at The Queen's on March 11, 2022, the day mandatory mask requirements were lifted in B.C. (Jerry Hong)

By Jordan Davidson

glad to be back

‘It wasn’t the same:’ eased restrictions allowing Nanaimo pub and bar owners to party like it’s 2019

Mar 22, 2022 | 5:06 PM

NANAIMO — Local bar and pub owners are starting to see the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, with St. Patrick’s day 2022 being the first major social event without restrictions in over two years.

Mike Campbell, general manager of Longwood Brew Pub, said while January and February are their typical slow months for their industry, the uptake in customers was clearly due to the easing of restrictions.

But they’re not at pre-pandemic levels quite yet.

“I’d say in the 80-90 per cent range maybe. It’s not quite what it was before the pandemic, we’re definitely not quite back there yet, but it’s getting there for sure.”

The lifting of capacity limits in February, combined with the lifting of mandatory mask usage less than a month later has customers happy to be back at their favourite establishments.

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“The mask thing didn’t make a huge difference I feel like. Some folks are still wearing them, our staff can wear them if they want, we give them that options.”

The vaccine passport is still required to enter many indoor public settings and events, with plans for it to end in early April.

Campbell said being able to re-open access to their pool tables was a big help in bringing back some of their regulars.

Longwood Brew Pub noticed an increase in customers when playing pool was permitted again following the lifting of capacity limits. (Mike Campbell)

The lifting of capacity limits also meant dancing was once again allowed inside these establishments.

This came as a huge relief from the management team at The Queen’s, a Nanaimo pub known for its live music which spans genres as well as their lively dance floor.

Jerry Hong, part of the management team, told NanaimoNewsNOW what makes them a popular spot is their live music, which was one of the industries hit hardest by the pandemic.

“We aren’t a nightclub, but we’re not a pub. We’re a live music venue, and a lot of people there come to see the live shows and one of the key elements there is dancing. Restrictions this entire time over dancing has really hampered us so we’re excited to have people back on the dance floor.”

He said since the restrictions have been lifted their dance floor has been packed each night they have performances, regardless of the musical genre.

“Capacity limits back to normal is great, but for the shows, we are doing…the livelihood of the customers coming to dance, and release energy and feel good about themselves. It wasn’t the same just sitting there watching a show and tapping your feet on the floor.”

While both Longwood Pub Brew and The Queen’s are eager to return operating at full-speed again, being able to find and train staff members is turning into one of their biggest challenges.

Hong said The Queen’s is only open Thursday-Sunday right now.

“The restrictions, just like everything else, seemed to pop open as fast as they shut it down. So for us to train staff and get everybody on board and on the same page has been a challenge. Our customers have been phenomenal with us and adjusting with us.”

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on last week marked two years, almost to the day, when communities effectively shut down due to the onset of the pandemic.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow