A popular Cape Town venue came under fire after footage from an event at the weekend appeared on social media. In the video, patrons are seen not observing social distancing regulations while enjoying a performance by local band GoodLuck.
The band performed at La Parada in Constantia Nek on Sunday, December 13. Video footage also shows partygoers crammed into the location and dancing alongside one another, with very few wearing masks or social distancing.
Yoh, G**d Luck sent it at La Parada Last night. Sent it back to level 5. pic.twitter.com/VD6sZj4XRE
— Uth ?? (@UthmanSamaai) December 14, 2020
Many have taken to social media to criticise the venue for allowing the event to go on amid the second wave of infections.
La Parada has since deactivated their Twitter account.
This is very irresponsible of #LaParada & #Goodluck. This brazen defiance of sensible rules could have dire consequences for the restaurant & entertainment industries. This conduct is unfair to others who are operating within the rules. Those involved should be prosecuted. #covid https://t.co/cwcXhmaeBh
— Brett Herron ?? (@brettherron) December 14, 2020
Quite disappointed that @Goodlucklive took part in that @LaParada_ZA event yesterday. We’re in a second wave and there was no social distancing ? We all miss our old lives, but please be responsible. #LaParada
— Rakgadi’s Son (@Spice_Fiend) December 14, 2020
@PresidencyZA @CyrilRamaphosa please in your speech don’t focus on Taverns and after tears only, When you ask yourself why we are getting harsher lockdown restrictions… perhaps you just need to look at videos like these too
This was yesterday at @LaParada_ZA in Constantia Nek. pic.twitter.com/dJK7s0yDQF— NKOSAZANA YAKWA XHOSA (@nkosazana_the) December 14, 2020
GoodLuck posted an apology, saying they “had nothing but the best of intentions going into Sunday’s performance & we are bitterly disappointed that things got out of control for even 1 minute. Its a massive reminder to stay vigilant”.
In the post, they claim it was an outdoor, limited seating event, where COVID-19 safety regulations were followed and guests were encouraged to wear masks except when eating or drinking.
“We have been informed that customers were supposed to have stayed at the tables and mot moved around throughout the event. These rules were largely adhered to until the last 3 minutes (the final song) of our show where during the song everyone got very excited and started to jump around between the tables as seen in the video.”
They continue: “We should have stopped the music and instructed everyone to go back to their tables but we were right at the end of the show mid song, but the moment got away from us. For this we do sincerely apologise.”
The group have decided to cancel their Get Lucky Summer concerts meant to take place this December, and will issue an official announcement on ticket refunds on Tuesday [December 15].
We would like to offer our sincerest apology to all of our fans, friends and family. We had nothing but the best of intentions going into Sunday’s performance & we are bitterly disappointed that things got out of control for even 1 minute. Its a massive reminder to stay vigilant. pic.twitter.com/BX94v0Mev0
— GoodLuck (@Goodlucklive) December 14, 2020
Picture: Screenshot from video
