It’s been a music institution in Kelowna for 35 years: live music, line dancing and of course the mechanical bull ride.
However, the owners of OK Corral Cabaret are concerned that if they are not allowed to reopen soon, they will go bankrupt.
The doors to the legendary nightclub have been closed for two months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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“Yeah, it’s been a long time,” DJ Bonneau told Global News.
And now staff are being told that the legendary cabaret could stay closed forever if the nightclub doesn’t get help to turn the lights back on soon.
“If things don’t change in favor of the nightclub industry, the doors will eventually close permanently,” Bonneau said.
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Bonneau has been playing songs in the corral for 34 years. He says we’d hate it if it was Gabby’s way.
“It would be a shame, it would definitely be a shame,” said Bonneau.
“It’s a dying industry and we want to keep it alive.”
But even Gabbys couldn’t stay alive. COVID-19 forced the Langley Club to finally close its doors last week after 34 years of business.
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“We need immediate help in finding ways to partially open with health and safety on the front lines or we will be forced into bankruptcy,” Corral chief executive Andy Bowie told Global News in an email statement .
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There is currently no exact date for nightclub reopening as part of the province’s restart plan.
But if the province allows nightclubs like the Corral to reopen, it remains to be seen. However, employees and owners have some creative plans to grow the business.
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“What we could do is cordon off this entire parking lot and use that space,” said Bonneau.
The Corral hopes the City of Kelowna will give them the same opportunity they gave some restaurants in downtown Kelowna.
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“The patio thing they’re doing downtown could be extended to the parking lot here,” said Corral’s mixer, Orest Patraschuck.
Extending the terrace license to the parking lot would allow more seating while also ensuring adequate social distancing, Patraschuck said.
“It’s a chance for the Corral to at least stay in business.”
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