Avett Brothers, Charlotte venues cancel New Year’s plans over new spike in COVID-19
Amid a surge in cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in North Carolina and across the country, some Charlotte venues have canceled plans for partying on New Year’s Eve, and others are taking precautions.
On Thursday, Rocksalt Charlotte on Brandywine Road canceled plans to extend its hours for New Year’s Eve. The restaurant is open until 10 p.m.
“Our half price oyster happy hour has also been canceled for Friday evening, but will resume on Saturday, Jan. 1. We apologize for any inconvenience,” the seafood restaurant said on social media.
Elsewhere, The Avett Brothers canceled New Year’s Eve plans. The band postponed its show scheduled for the Greensboro Coliseum, saying in an online statement Wednesday, “It is also important that we not add to the burden that the already-overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare workers are facing in North Carolina.
On Tuesday, NoDa Company Store in Charlotte posted on Instagram that it was canceling its New Year’s party, but planned to remain open during its regular hours. “There’s just too many spikes in Omicron for us to be able to have a (responsible) Ball with you guys,” the message read.
At Comedy Zone Charlotte, several staff members tested positive for COVID, leading the club to cancel its upcoming New Year’s shows with Jeff Dye. All tickets will be refunded.
SouthBound’s Masquerade NYE party will go on, but the venue is requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours for all attendees and staff.
Last week, VBGB Beer Hall and Garden and its neighbor from the same owners, 8.2.0 Event Space, each announced via Instagram that their party at 8.2.0 was canceled.
“We struggled with this decision, but in the end, we chose the health and continued safety of our guests and staff as our first priority!” they said in messages via Instagram. “We are sad about this, too! It’s a crazy time we are living in and feel that we have to keep doing our part in getting to the end of this pandemic.”
Charlotteans responded to the VBGB news with messages of support.
“This is incredibly responsible of you all — I love to see it,” a post by food blogger Asha Ellison of Asha Eats World said.
Melissa Hinchman said, “Seeing you all put the community first, will encourage me to continue supporting you all. Thank you!”
And Molly Gray said simply, “Mad respect.”
What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? And have you made any changes due to the COVID-19 spike seen with the omicron variant? Let us know in this poll.
Can’t see the survey? Click here.
This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 3:27 PM.
