Coronavirus forces comedy clubs to close — again — after latest guidance from governor
The Tacoma Comedy Club announced Monday it will again close its doors in response to the recent prohibition on live entertainment.
Last week, Governor Jay Inslee released additional guidance which said “all live entertainment is prohibited” in anything below Phase 4. In addition to its closure announcement, the Tacoma Comedy Club launched a Change.org petition, which calls for allowing “live entertainment during Phase 2 and Phase 3.”
Adam Norwest, owner of the Tacoma Comedy Club, said in a phone interview with The News Tribune that the closure required laying off 25 employees.
Norwest hopes there can be an exception to the rule carved out for smaller shows, such as stand-up comedy.
“Maybe there could be a single entertainer exception that would allow people to have a comedian or a guitar player or a piano player or something,” Norwest said. “It shouldn’t be all black and white.”
The rationale to “single out” live entertainment is part of an attempt to cut down on any events that could draw people out in large numbers as cases hit record highs.
Nick Streuli, external relations director for the governor, said in a phone interview “the live entertainment piece, the act of people congregating, is really something we’re trying to minimize at this point in this time.”
Norwest said he understands the need to decrease large gatherings but is struggling to think about what the future holds for his business.
“It’s a way to try and keep more people by giving people a reason not to go out, but I got a lease man,” Norwest said. “Phase 4 is nowhere in sight. If I had to guess, it’s next year.”
Norwest said he would be willing to take any other precautions needed to avoid having to close.
“We had things set up where we had hand sanitizer, the staff is wearing masks, the tables are at least six feet apart, and the comedian has their own access. We’re doing everything as safe or safer than everything else I’m seeing,” Norwest said. “If our performer is at least six feet away from every single person, fine. If they want us to put plexiglass on stage, fine. But don’t just say close.”
Mike Faulk, deputy communications director for the governor, said in an email to The News Tribune that he acknowledges there may be some confusion.
“If there are venues in the state that proceed with live entertainment — and we understand there can be confusion about this because things can change so rapidly in a pandemic — we have an enforcement process that is tailored to work with businesses that may be in violation,” Faulk said.
“It begins with the state getting complaints about businesses, which are followed up with a phone call to each business to educate them on the reasons for these policies and to solicit voluntary compliance. Penalties would come later in the enforcement process after receiving and investigating additional complaints.”
According to Faulk, those penalties could “include a cease and desist letter, a citation and fine, or, in extreme cases of repeated refusal to comply, forwarding complaints to the attorney general for possible court action.”
The Tacoma Comedy Club put on a series of shows with comedian and actor Pauly Shore this past weekend after the prohibition was announced.
“On Wednesday we were a business, and on Thursday, we became criminals with one statement,” Norwest said.
Norwest has now canceled shows for the next four weeks through Aug. 15 and told comedians like Ralph Porter, who was slated to do shows July 16-18, not to come. The future of Norwest’s club is uncertain and he isn’t sure how long he’ll be able to keep the lights on.
“I don’t know how long this is going to last. Can we weather this for six more months? Yeah,” Norwest said. “Can we weather this for two years? Probably not. It’s out of our hands at this point.”
Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club declined to comment on the prohibition and any plans they have to host shows. Run by nationally touring comic Nate Jackson, the club had its grand opening on July 9 and its website still has shows listed through Aug. 22.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 8:13 AM.
