GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s nightlife has returned in a huge way – thanks to the extended public holidays this month.
But thanks to a rise in operating costs due to inflation and an acute shortage of workers to manage crowds, nightclub operators are once again bogged down by functional issues.
Since Friday, entertainment outlets along the streets of Penang have contributed to traffic congestion.
At a place called Pokok along Chulia Street, co-partner Gurmeet Singh said that sales have been overflowing due to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Wesak Day holidays.
Outlets have no issues complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) but they face difficulty in finding workers, which is a major headache, he said.
Among the SOPs for nightclubs are the requirements to take Covid-19 self-tests 24 hours before entering an establishment, and to wear masks inside except when dining.
Gurmeet also said that many operators wanted to help band performers who suffered considerably during the extended lockdowns.
So, Pokok is hosting four bands, which take turns to perform.
Howie Tan, who manages Brew at the same touristy stretch, lamented that while sales were encouraging, he only had one employee, as it is difficult to find workers while food prices continued to spike due to inflationary pressures.
“Many workers now opt for the digital economy, which is more relaxing than slaving at the food and beverage counters. Hence, the shortage of workers in the service industry. Foreigners are also choosy. They prefer places who pay them well.”
According to Tan, nightspots are now allowed to operate until 2am on weekends and public holidays so the crowd streams in after supper rather than after dinner.
At Kuala Lumpur-based Gravy Baby, the manager said that her place is filled to the brim since the holidays began but traffic slows down on working days.
A former discotheque owner, Leonard Tan, said that the nightlife trend is now driven by bistros and restaurant bars which serve scrumptious food and cocktails.
Dance music is still in demand, but people are cautious about being in a crowded environment because Covid-19 is still lurking in the background, he said.
Hence, it is unfortunate that entertainment strips such as the Upper Penang Road are now empty, noted Leonard, who added that some of the night scene has also shifted to Seberang Jaya, Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam on the mainland.
“It is because the young patrons now prefer to party nearer their home. They also want to avoid police roadblocks and traffic congestion when commuting home.”
He added that the young now prefer private parties, as they can control the crowd by maintaining a certain number of participants. – The Vibes, May 16, 2022
