Sidetrack opens at full capacity, carves out sections for vaxxed, unvaxxed
Thu. May 20, 2021 8:51 PM by Gerald Farinas
sidetrack opens at full capacity
photo credit // sidetrack
'If you want to dance, dance!'
“Bring your vaccine card to Sidetrack!” the popular North Halsted nightclub and video bar announced ahead of the May 21 weekend.
Considered a 'Boystown' staple, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., decided to create special sections for persons who have received one of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and have been vested—and a separate section for those who are “not fully vaccinated.”
“Our goal is to provide a safe environment by following the guidelines provided by the CDC and the Chicago Department of Public Health,” the nightclub explained.
Being “vested” means enough time has passed for the vaccine to be in full effect. This is usually two weeks from the last dose of the two-part Pfizer and Moderna inoculations, or the single-dose Johnson and Johnson injection.
The “fully vaccinated” sections include the branded GlassBar, SideBar, BackBar, DeckBar, and Rooftop.
“There will no longer be seated cocktail service, no reduced capacity and you may order at the bar. If you want to dance, dance! If you wish to continue to wear your facemask that's cool too,” Sidetrack said.
Fully vaccinated patrons that want this special access can show their original Centers for Disease Control and Prevention white paper card, an image of the card loaded on to a mobile device, or a paper copy of the card.
Other sections will be cordoned off for what the nightclub calls the “not-full vaccinated.”
This category of patrons includes those who don't provide proof of vaccination, refuse to get vaccinated, or have only received a partial vaccination.
“Not-fully vaccinated” patrons will have access restricted to the branded MainBar, CherryBar, and NorthBar.
At these restricted sections, facemasks are required when standing up and walking around. Facemasks can be taken down only when drinking and eating in seated table service areas.
“You must stay seated unless entering [Sidetrack], leaving, or using the restroom,” the establishment explained.
Sidetrack became popular under the ownership of Art Johnston. He was an early facilitator of the present-day Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association—and founded the local LGBT lobby organization, Equality Illinois.
Events: What's happening in LGBTQ Chicago
Considered a 'Boystown' staple, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., decided to create special sections for persons who have received one of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and have been vested—and a separate section for those who are “not fully vaccinated.”
“Our goal is to provide a safe environment by following the guidelines provided by the CDC and the Chicago Department of Public Health,” the nightclub explained.
Being “vested” means enough time has passed for the vaccine to be in full effect. This is usually two weeks from the last dose of the two-part Pfizer and Moderna inoculations, or the single-dose Johnson and Johnson injection.
The “fully vaccinated” sections include the branded GlassBar, SideBar, BackBar, DeckBar, and Rooftop.
“There will no longer be seated cocktail service, no reduced capacity and you may order at the bar. If you want to dance, dance! If you wish to continue to wear your facemask that's cool too,” Sidetrack said.
Fully vaccinated patrons that want this special access can show their original Centers for Disease Control and Prevention white paper card, an image of the card loaded on to a mobile device, or a paper copy of the card.
Other sections will be cordoned off for what the nightclub calls the “not-full vaccinated.”
This category of patrons includes those who don't provide proof of vaccination, refuse to get vaccinated, or have only received a partial vaccination.
“Not-fully vaccinated” patrons will have access restricted to the branded MainBar, CherryBar, and NorthBar.
At these restricted sections, facemasks are required when standing up and walking around. Facemasks can be taken down only when drinking and eating in seated table service areas.
“You must stay seated unless entering [Sidetrack], leaving, or using the restroom,” the establishment explained.
Sidetrack became popular under the ownership of Art Johnston. He was an early facilitator of the present-day Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association—and founded the local LGBT lobby organization, Equality Illinois.
Events: What's happening in LGBTQ Chicago