Chattanooga bars, clubs, venues debate New Year's Eve events amid pandemic

For some, New Year's Eve 2020 is an opportunity to put what has been one of the most trying years in decades behind them, and maybe have some fun doing so. For others, however, it comes in the midst of unprecedented surges in COVID-19 cases and related deaths, and is therefore not the time to gather in groups and party, they say.

Wanderlinger Brewing Company co-owner Mike Dial said not only has the restaurant/bar/music and art gallery canceled its New Year's Eve event, it has shut down its Monday Night Blues and Open Mic weekly events, as well.

"After the governor's order, we've postponed any music that we were doing," Dial said. "It didn't seem responsible to do it. It just seemed irresponsible and inappropriate.

"Plus, people are going to want to be near the stage and dance, and it just didn't seem right, or something we wanted to do," he said.

G2G Salsa Chattanooga, a Latin dance school, also has canceled its planned event, announcing on its Facebook page that, "When we planned this event in November, we were feeling optimistic about throwing a NYE party for the local dance community. We felt we could implement extra precautions for the event to keep it safe and enjoyable for all who attended. Over the last week, we have been closely monitoring the rising numbers of COVID cases in Hamilton County. We were faced with a difficult decision to cancel the event or drastically reduce the tickets available.

"As you may know, the Governor of Tennessee has just imposed a social gathering limit of no more than 10 people at indoor events. Essentially, this mandate has made the decision for us and we will officially be canceling the event. For those who have already purchased tickets, we will be issuing refunds over the next few days (please allow 7-10 business days for the refund be processed). We appreciate all of your support and look forward to dancing with all of you in 2021. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

But that doesn't mean other restaurants, bars, clubs or venues are canceling their events celebrating the transition into 2021, they're just planning with extra precautions and for smaller crowds. Patricia Gaddis, owner of Trish's Sports Bar, said they will have live music from Up the Dose and dancing, but added, "Please remind people they have to wear a mask to get in."

The Southern Belle will have both an afternoon sit-down meal/cruise and a later one "with 25% capacity," according to general manager Jon Reinhert.

Comedy Catch co-owner Michael Alfano is also presenting two shows at the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex, but said he is foregoing the usual after-party with "no dancing or partying."

"We will seat 100 people instead of the usual 230," he said. He added that ticket sales had slowed after the governor's announcement.

"And, for the first time, we are selling more to the first show than the last one. I think the order scared people," Alfano said.

He said earlier that he was also monitoring Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond's reaction to Gov. Bill Lee's announcement about gatherings of people. Hammond said in a statement that he supports the action but declined to give further details, such as how strictly he would enforce the limited-gathering directive.

"I think a lot of us [owners] are wondering how strictly it will be enforced," Alfano said.

Kacey Swindell, director of sales at the Moxy Hotel, said she was in contact with people at her corporate office discussing their plans for New Year's Eve.

A final decision might not be made until Monday, she said.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com.