Gabbo’s Nightclub draws criticism for ‘Enjoy your last weekend of freedom’ post

Gabbo’s Nightclub in Regina is being criticized for a social media post that encouraged people to gather on the weekend after 10 p.m., to “enjoy your last weekend of freedom.”

New COVID-19 restrictions took effect across Saskatchewan on Monday. One of those mandates that bars, restaurants and nightclubs stop serving alcohol at 10 p.m., with all drinking to be finished by 11 p.m.

There’s a possibility more restrictions will be announced Tuesday, when Premier Scott Moe and Dr. Saqib Shahab hold a media conference at 3 p.m.

Many reacted to the Gabbo’s post, interpreting it as a risk for spreading the virus.

“I hope they get fined,” Jessica Tresek wrote on Facebook.

“Place needs to be shut down,” Tracy Lynn wrote.

Merv Armstrong — the owner of Swervin’ Mini Indy Racing — also commented on the post, which he believes was irresponsible.

“When you see a post like that that says, ‘Hey, come on down, it’s our last kick at the can,’ you’re just begging to become a superspreader event and make it worse for all the other small business people like myself and like other restaurants,” he said Monday.

“I can appreciate the fact that they want to make money, but everybody else — all of the smaller guys — are trying to follow the rules. You have to have a mask to come into the building, you have to use hand sanitizer and social distance. So to go and promote ‘Hey, come on, let’s fill the bar and go crazy …’ I mean, look at what happened in Saskatoon. Don’t do that here.”

Armstrong was referring to a string of cases linked to Saskatoon nightclubs that caused the province to put new restrictions in place.

“You just make it worse for all of the other little guys who have to take it on the chin when the government comes in and says ‘Things are out of control, you’re shut down.’ We can’t take another shutdown,” he said.

Swervin’ Mini Indy Racing raises money for charities through go-kart events for causes like leukemia, children’s diabetes and mental health. This spring, Armstrong had to cancel an event because of COVID restrictions.

“It was devastating,” he said. “We were supposed to be helping out a charity, and we can’t.”

Armstrong said he understands the need for Gabbo’s to try to continue with its business, but he said the post is the sort of thing that contributes to new restrictions and possible shutdowns.

“They’ve got bills to pay, just like we do, but don’t do it that way. It’s a bar and you’re inviting people to come and get sloshed … You’re just making it more possible for them to close you down. Don’t do stuff like that. If you’re not a superspreader event, then you don’t have to worry about being shut down,” he said.

“It’s just common sense. I don’t understand the logic.”

980 CJME reached the owner of Gabbo’s on the phone Monday, but he declined comment.