Message: Return type of CI_Session_files_driver::open($save_path, $name) should either be compatible with SessionHandlerInterface::open(string $path, string $name): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice
Message: Return type of CI_Session_files_driver::close() should either be compatible with SessionHandlerInterface::close(): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice
Message: Return type of CI_Session_files_driver::read($session_id) should either be compatible with SessionHandlerInterface::read(string $id): string|false, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice
Message: Return type of CI_Session_files_driver::write($session_id, $session_data) should either be compatible with SessionHandlerInterface::write(string $id, string $data): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice
Message: Return type of CI_Session_files_driver::destroy($session_id) should either be compatible with SessionHandlerInterface::destroy(string $id): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice
Message: Return type of CI_Session_files_driver::gc($maxlifetime) should either be compatible with SessionHandlerInterface::gc(int $max_lifetime): int|false, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice
Most of us in the nightlife & hospitality industry at some point wondered what our industry would look like once we were allowed to reopen. As an operator, I was conflicted between “it will come back stronger than ever” and “people will be very cautious and ease back into things”. As I sat trying to come up with different plans, I had a responsibility to owners, investors, staff, agents, managers, talent, and the list goes on. My concerns were mutually shared with other industry peers that were faced with the same challenges.
We had put together a safety plan to ensure the safety of guests when the time came to re-open with temperature checks, sanitizing stations, deep cleaning every section of our venues, installing safety barriers in between each section, to masks and gloves. We had come up with plan to scale shows properly to ensure the integrity of each event, provide a safe environment for all our guests and staff and to make sure we were working in tandem will all parties involved so everyone was protected not just from a health perspective, but also financially. We factored all of this thinking we’d be able to reopen at 50% capacity but as things had been put in place, it didn’t seem like 50% capacity would even be allowed, so we had to go back t drawing board and rescale everything to 25% capacity. Shows were postponed and rescheduled for later dates, artwork redone, staff notified. They were very uneasy times. Just as we were setting into what seemed like it was a new reality to relaunch, we were given all clear and reopen at 100% capacity. We went from what seemed like an indefinite holding pattern, to all system go!
The question then was how will the scene react to the news? We all waited patiently to see the reaction and waited for the moment of truth. Well, it was worth the long wait. Ticket sales spiked, the phones started ringing and it seemed like the message was loud and clear; we’re back! The wait was over and after 1 long 15-month break, dance floors became alive, and the monster was roaring again. Seemed like people had enough and couldn’t wait to be free again. Free to see their friends, make new ones and let loose. And that they did! The demand has been greater than anything I’ve seen in my career. Shows are selling out; people are making plans and they are getting back to living.
Life is never going to be perfect. The key is to enjoy the moments and realize that things can change quickly and without warning. Enjoy and appreciate the good times, count your blessings, and learn from the not so good times. Like the saying says, “you’ll never appreciate sweetness if you haven’t tasted bitterness”.
