Events: Set 'Not Before' Dates

It would be really helpful to many individuals and businesses to know some dates before which we know that things will NOT be happening.
While being clear that they are NOT guaranteed to happen immediately after that date, but that they are guaranteed not to happen BEFORE that.
My thought is that it would allow so many people (like wedding couples and all their suppliers - many of whom are very small businesses) an opportunity to take other work/focus on other aspects of their lives/not be under stress waiting to know if their August wedding/event can happen/re-book dates for later on?

As such large events (?over 40 people?) are usually planned far in advance, and the Lockdown & Social Distancing regulations will be removed gradually, I do not think it is unreasonable for these dates to be set four or five weeks ahead, rather than the immediate implementation were are working with just now.
The time line for updating these 'Not Before' dates could also be extended easily.
So, the update given on Thursday the 7th of May could have said:
"There will be no gatherings of more than 40? people taking place in Scotland between the 4th of June and the 2nd of July. This will be reviewed before the 4th of June, and any announcement on changes for the period 2nd July to 30th of July will be made on the 4th of June."
If this advance notice was given say 5 weeks in advance, it would allow wedding couples to apply for their Marriage Schedules to be drawn up once the Registrars offices re-open.

Why the contribution is important

Off the top of my head I can think of many employment categories such as artists, promoters, musicians, venues & all their suppliers who are waiting for news, as well as all the wedding and event participants.

A negative date - before which they know they will not be working/in use/required would allow them to make other plans, pursue other work, take the time to set things aside or refocus, or even repaint the hotel, take an on line course and also to not be stressing on all the things we don't know.

I hope this is a useful comment.

by JaneBechtel on May 10, 2020 at 11:48AM

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Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 15 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Mitchy May 10, 2020 at 12:06

    I actually think this is a really good idea as plans to come out of lockdown need to be consistent and clear so using timelines and factual wording will be key in policing returning to normal. The UK Gov uses terms such as could, may, it is possible you could ...etc but what society needs is clear guidance and common sense practices. So from (date) you can, you are allowed to, etc is much more proactive and less confusing for society to follow. The main issue with the UK Gov is that they have been bumbling through being reactive which has caused a lot of confusion. Being proactive, timely, open and reasonable is in my opinion the best way ( Scotland’s way) to lead us out of lockdown.
    Involve businesses in these types of forums / groups too as we don’t know about all businesses so let the experts in their fields give their voice too.

  • Posted by jlml58 May 10, 2020 at 12:07

    A sensible suggestion. Have already found theatre shows being rescheduled for dates when, based on the advice already given by the First Minister, I think they are unlikely to be able to proceed.

  • Posted by conniel May 10, 2020 at 12:17

    I think this is a very good idea and could be extended to include specific activities e.g. non-essential local or UK-wide travel or non-essential international travel. Much better than simply rolling on the current lockdown measures each time they come up for review, as this approach allows businesses and people to plan forwards.

  • Posted by Scotswede May 10, 2020 at 12:54

    Sensible.

    Clear guidance on these dates/scale of events allows planning - and also allows government to prepare to support these businesses longer term.

  • Posted by JennyBee May 10, 2020 at 14:00

    Agree- as a holiday let provider, I'm simply guessing the dates I need to cancel up to. If I knew we definitely wouldn't be open before ( say) August, I could give some thought as to how to budget for now.

  • Posted by cnanguy May 10, 2020 at 14:40

    Totally agree.

  • Posted by CM1234 May 11, 2020 at 21:36

    Clear guidance for Scottish couples is required urgently to allow venues to offer refunds or alternatives. Given that Schools are not going to return until after the summer break and return in restricted numbers, how could it be possible weddings of 100 people to take place in Scotland in July/August. Giving guidance now will help to remove some of the added pressure from couples rather than receiving last minute information and being left with disappointment.
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