The City of West Hollywood cancelled its Annual Halloween Carnaval event as a precaution to keep people safe against the spread of COVID. Yet the the night before Halloween drew massive crowds. People spilled onto the streets due to overcrowded sidewalks and there were long lines outside the bars. There were also traffic jams on Santa Monica Boulevard throughout the night creating havoc on the street.
The night before Halloween was festive. A lot of people dressed up last night in preparation for the big Halloween night, which is bound to attract a much bigger crowd. Halloween Carnaval, or not, give them open bars and they will come.
It was like a dress rehearsal. People tried out their costumes, businesses now know what to expect from the large crowds, and if you were driving on Santa Monica Boulevard last night, you now know to avoid it on Halloween night, unless you like being trapped in traffic on Route 66.
It’s not clear what measures the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriffs will take to keep people safe on Halloween night. There have not been any discussions on possible street closures or what the city plans to do about the heavy traffic.
The City of West Hollywood reminded the community and the region that even though the City’s annual Halloween Carnaval will not take place for Halloween 2021 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, restaurants and entertainment venues in the City of West Hollywood will be open for business on Halloween in adherence to LA County Public Health protocols.
LA County Health Officer Order also requires use of masks while in indoor public settings and while attending mega-events. Bar and restaurant patrons are advised to use masks, except while actively eating or drinking. The City of West Hollywood warns that Code Compliance Division provides oversight of business compliance and Code Enforcement Officers may issue Administrative Citations to businesses that are not in compliance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health orders and protocols for use of masks.
We didn’t see too many masks at bars last night and forget about social distancing. It’s just not happening.
The City of West Hollywood also reminds community members and visitors that there is a COVID-19 Vaccine Verification Requirements Order, which applies to patrons and staff at Covered Businesses, including: (1) establishments where food or drink is served indoors (e.g., restaurants, theaters, cannabis consumption lounges, entertainment venues); (2) health/fitness facilities (e.g., gyms, dance studios); and (3) personal care establishments (e.g., skin care and cosmetology services, massage services, nail salons, and hair salons). At this time, patrons age 18 and older must provide proof that they have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination before entering any indoor portion of a facility, subject only to certain exceptions.
WeHo Halloween Carnaval event was launched in 1987 and is rooted in the foundation of the City’s diverse culture and community. The event has grown year-by-year into an annual gathering of phenomenal costumes, entertainment, culture, and self-expression with a myriad of observers, revelers, exhibitionists, and performers.
There may not be a Halloween Carnaval in WeHo this year, but Halloween is promising to be quite the circus.
The City of West Hollywood remains in a declared local emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Coronavirus information is available at www.weho.org/coronavirus.
