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While restaurants are slowly starting to reopen with certain changes made because of COVID-19, the same can’t be said for many bars and clubs.
Nightlife venues like the OK Corral Cabaret in Kelowna are left wondering how they are supposed to survive in this new-look world we’re all navigating because of the pandemic.
“Being mandated closed by the government without providing options similar to restaurants and pubs is a sure way to see many more small business closures,” said Andy Bowie, managing owner of The OK Corral.
“We need immediate help finding ways to partially open with health and safety at the forefront or we will be forced into bankruptcy.”
That was the case for Gabby’s Country Cabaret in Langley, a very popular bar with a similar feel to the OK Corral, which unfortunately announced it’s permanent closure today.
After 34 years, COVID-19 forced the country bar to close and Bowie is hoping that The OK Corral, which has been a staple in Kelowna for over 35 years, can avoid the same fate.
Bowie says they’ve suggested the closure of the OK Corral’s parking lot and expansion of the red line service area so the bar could survive.
“We would be happy to adhere to social distancing, cleaning and safety protocols,” he said.
“We would love to open up, hire back staff, support local musicians and entertainers by hosting them in our parking lot with a food truck set up to provide food similar to pubs and restaurants.”
However, it appears as though this type of venue has largely been ignored by BC’s Restart Plan and while it’s hard to run this type of distance in the appropriate manner given the pandemic, it appears as though the OK Corral is willing to do what it takes.
Only time will tell if the popular Kelowna nightlife venue will be afforded the opportunity.
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