Canberra adult entertainment venues open date has been postponed after four new cases of coronavirus were recorded in the ACT.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Some of the last facilities flagged for reopening at midday Friday under stage three easing of restrictions will now wait another two weeks to learn their fate.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced on Thursday the easing - which would have allowed businesses to host 25 patrons at a time, or follow the one person per four square metres rule - would not go ahead.
Mr Barr said as restrictions have been eased around the country there was always a chance of it making its way to Canberra.
"As much as the government wants to support our cities economic recover, as I have been saying throughout the pandemic, if the health advice is we should not move, we will not move," he said.
Wanderlust Gentleman's Club Managing Director Rulla Tabban had planned to begin operating as normal from Friday 8pm.
Having opened the club in Mitchell five years ago, Ms Tabban said since the pandemic outbreak it had taken a sever financial hit.
READ ALSO:
"It is estimated that we lost close to 100 per cent to our revenue," she said.
"It has been hard to maintain ourselves during this period but thanks to the passion and hard work of everybody at the club we are still here."
Wanderlust dancers initially operated a pizza delivery service after the closure, before the club reopened as a lingerie restaurant in the third week of May.
Ms Tabban said it would be very disappointing if the escalation of cases caused them to shut up doors again.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that. It would be a shame if we had to tell our wonderful customers that they would not be able to see us again for a while," she said.
"Of course - and from day one of this pandemic - we will follow every guideline and requirement set down to us by the ACT government."
Wanderlust dancer, Cherry said she had been looking forward to an easing of restrictions this weekend, nevertheless looked forward to returning to the lingerie restaurant.
"It's still so fun working there, even in this situation," the 20 year-old Belconnen resident said.
"Us girls will respond how the club tells us to respond as we have our COVID-19 safety plan that's really comprehensive.
"I'm excited for things to eventually go back to normal but as of now I am extremely lucky to still be able to work."
The Capital Men's Strip Club in Fyshwick was scheduled to reopen on July 24 under its new ownership.
Manager Bronte Taylor said during the closure the club has taken the opportunity to make some changes, including the introduction of sport played on Friday afternoon.
Miss Taylor said her concern was not just for adult entertainment venues but for the whole nightlife industry.
"From DJs to strippers, to club managers and bar staff who were used to socialising every night, not having that was the hardest thing," she said.
"I am worried that the night life may never be the same as many people may not want to risk going out."