Support the Nightlife industry

It is clear that Covid won't be going anywhere soon and that nightclubs reopening is not going to be on the cards as it won't be safe. We accept that.

But this is a significant VIABLE sector of the UK economy (circa 17bn) and it has to date received NO support. If businesses are to be instructed to remain closed, they MUST be financially supported to do so. Otherwise, on the other side of all this, there won't be a nightlife industry to return to.

Also, the idea that closing pubs all at the same time is a good idea is seriously flawed. Firstly, it just means more people on the streets at the same time which does nothing but increase the risk of spread. It also increases the risk of people replacing trips to safe, socially-distanced, cleansed pubs with get-togethers in houses where there are none of these protections. Secondly, most pubs take 50-75% of their income after 10pm thereby making them unviable to operate under these restrictions.

As for restaurants closing at 10pm, there is even less justification for that. The figures show something like only 3% spread from hospitality venues. There is no justification scientifically for this approach.

Finally, the ban on background music has ZERO basis in scientific fact and in fact has the opposite effect. There's a reason no other country in the world has adopted this approach - because it's ludicrous and it's wrong.

Let pubs and restaurants reopen safely (as they were) with their licensed hours, social distancing and much reduced capacities. This will provide safe outlets for people to have some much-needed social lives and do much to safeguard the local economy. It will also help with mental health concerns. Provide financial help for nightclubs to remain closed until safe to reopen.

Why the contribution is important

The wider nightlife industry was the second biggest in the UK and the fastest growing. But you are killing it completely with these unjustified restrictions and lack of support.

by DaveMFSB on October 06, 2020 at 12:34PM

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