A nightclub's dance floor has been temporarily removed as bosses prepare to reopen the town centre venue as a bar.

Vivid in Hight Street, Herne Bay, is set to welcome back customers on Friday, after being shut for the last five months.

Owner Karl Ahmad has revealed that the premises has undergone "major refurbishment" and that revellers will be given temperature checks before entering.

He claims the nightspot will be the largest bar or pub currently trading in the town.

Mr Ahmad said: "In line with government guidance and following approval from Canterbury City Council and Kent Police, we will be resuming operations on Friday, August 21, primarily as a bar.

"A nightclub is not defined by its building, name or reputation. It is however defined as a place with facility to dance and operate at night.

"This affords us the flexibility to operate as a nightclub or as bar or pub.

"We will be the largest operating bar or pub in Herne Bay, which allows us to give customers the most space to socially distance."

Mr Ahmad says the venue, which in February celebrated its 10th year in the town, has been fitted with new furnishings and been given a deep clean.

It will run at a reduced capacity and have table service.

"We are now at a point where we are confident in our ability to keep all members of staff and customers safe," the businessman continued.

"Customer safety is of the utmost importance meaning necessary precautions will be in place going forward.

"Temperature checks, sanitisation stations throughout, temporary removal of the dancefloor, reduced capacity, extended seating and table service will all be in effect until it is safe to resume normal operations.

"The entire building was stripped and new furnishings have been installed throughout. A full and deep clean has taken place since and will be deep-cleaned again before opening."

Security staff will also continue to be stationed at the venue.

The business will be open between 9pm on Friday and 3.30am that night.

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