Although owner Dominic Germano has been able to keep the FairGrounds Hotel operating despite coronavirus (COVID-19), the pandemic only complicated things for his adjacent MainGate Nightclub, 448 N. 17th St. (17th and Liberty streets), Allentown.

In 1980, his father, Michael “Skip” Germano, began leasing what was known as the Bier Garten from the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. The open-air facility behind the old hotel evolved into the MainGate Nightclub.

The second-generation owner shut down the nightclub in 2016 for a short period of time because of Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement noise complaints. He again locked the doors in December 2019 for the same reason.

“It’s been a long eight years,” says a frustrated Germano of his ongoing battle with the Commonwealth over alleged noise violations.

Germano reduced decibel levels of the sound equipment and took other measures.

In early 2020, patrons, neighbors and Allentown City Council came forward in support of the embattled MainGate. City council successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB) to exempt the nightclub, along with other West End Theatre District establishments, from state noise ordinances.

City police now have the authority to investigate noise complaints and more leeway in determining if those complaints are valid.

“On Christmas Eve, we did get a letter from the LCB saying they were withdrawing their objection to renew our license,” says Germano. With relief, he noticed the license was attached to the email. “I’m very grateful for that,” he says.

“I do not see a return to indoor club events ‘til spring or summer when the rules for bars and specifically nightclubs are lessened,” says Germano.

“I am waiting ‘til the COVID coast is clearer. My instincts tell me that it won’t be ‘til spring, summer, with more of a focus on daytime outdoor events as more sustainable return,” he continues.

“A return to the basics of the “Bier Garten” circa 1980,” would be the direction his club may follow. He also plans to continue seeking ways to mitigate noise.

“I may have not seen any of you on the dance floor in 2020,” Germano posted on social media. “But I hope to see ALL on the dance floor once again in 2021.”

Information: www.maingateclub.com; 610-776-7711

“West End Theatre District: New Beginnings” is an ongoing series about how some restaurants, businesses and theaters in Allentown’s West End Theatre District are coping with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.