A NIGHTCLUB has insisted it does not fear for its future after developing a war chest of funds over the last 38 years.

The Pink Toothbrush in Rayleigh has been a staple of the nightclub scene and despite the Covid-19 pandemic continuing, owners said there is enough money in the bank to support the club.

With club’s across the country, such as Southend’s Moo Moos, finding unique ways to get punters back through the door, owner Charlie Horne stated the club will not even consider re-opening until social distancing restrictions are lifted.

Despite bars and restaurants re-opening, there is still no guidance from the Government on night clubs.

Although the outlook is positive for the Pink Toothbrush, Mr Horne, 61, admitted the pandemic had been a “complete nightmare”.

He said: “The problem we have is that we’re not trading, but our rent is still due.

“We’ve got some financial backing behind us so we should be OK, but companies are still charging us.

“If clubs think they can open with social distancing in place, they’re lying.

“We don’t want dancers in masks either.”

Moo Moo’s, on Warrior Square, re-opened at the end of July, but purely as a bar rather than nightclub, with a host of tight restrictions.

But the Pink Toothbrush will not follow suit, and has rather been hosting virtual club nights, with promoter Stu Whiffen behind the idea.

The 46-year-old added: “We’re just waiting for instructions at the moment.

“Nobody seems to know when we can resume but we won’t open until we know it’s safe.

“Of course we’ve been affected, but it has to be safe.

“The virtual music has gone down really well so far. The level of support has been amazing so far.

“We hope to see everyone back soon.”

Moo Moos introduced a whole host of measures for it’s customers, with visitors banned from shouting or dancing on their feet. A full table service is in operation with party-goers told they can only dance while sitting.

Single use drink menus are in use, and “easily accessible” hand sanitiser stations are in place.

Nightclub bosses won’t open their venues if social distancing is in place ... even if it’s months away.

The Pink Toothbrush in Rayleigh has been a staple of the nightclub scene for 38 years, but owner Charlie Horne won’t re-open it’s doors if restrictions are still in place.

Thanks to extra financial reserves, the club are not at risk of closure and will be able to see out the coronavirus pandemic.

But Mr Horne, who has been helping make PPE for staff at Southend Hospital, said the pandemic has been a “complete nightmare.”

Moo Moos in Southend recently re-opened, but as a bar, rather than a traditional nightclub, with the capacity heavily reduced.

The club, on Warrior Square in Southend, was sold out on it’s re-opening night on July 31.

But Charlie will not be following suit.

The 61-year-old, said: “The problem we have is that we’re not trading, but our rent is still due.

“We’ve got some financial backing behind us so we should be okay, but companies are still charging us.

“If clubs think they can open with social distancing in place, they’re lying.

“We don’t want dancers in masks either.”

Mr Horne told the Echo he is looking at January to potentially re-open.

The Pink Toothbrush have been hosting virtual club nights, with promoter Stu Whiffen behind the idea.

The 46-year-old added: “We’re just waiting for instructions at the moment.

“Nobody seems to know when we can resume but we won’t open until we know it’s safe.

“Of course we’ve been affected, but it has to be safe.

“The virtual music has gone down really well so far. The level of support has been amazing so far.

“We hope to see everyone back soon.”

Moo Moos introduced a whole host of measures for it’s customers, with visitors banned from shouting or dancing on their feet.

A full table service is in operation with party-goers told they can only dance while sitting at their assigned table.

Single use drink menus will be disposed of by staff, and “easily accessible” hand sanitiser stations will be placed across the club.