Prioritise Reopening Bars And Clubs Willing To Host Live Music
In a phased return to licensed premises opening, priority should be given to those bars, cafes and nightclubs that will commit to paid performances by professional musicians. Very few bars (or nightclubs, etc) host live music in the bar. Many have backrooms that can be pressed into service, or attached small venues, but few have background or foreground music provided by professional players in the main bar area. It's rare to find a bar with anything other than an open mic, a regular amateur performer, or an occasional pub band playing. We have an opportunity to encourage the return of quality music to Scotland's pubs and clubs. Those that will commit to nightly music in tabled, seated, distanced room should be given priority, so that we can support both the licensed trade and musician at the same time. This should happen only when it is safe and appropriate to allow licensed premises to open.
Why the contribution is important
The usual gig/concert setting for live music isn't coming back soon. A packed audience, whether small or large, isn't feasible in the current situation, nor in the foreseeable future. This means that musicians, one of the hardest hit sectors of the economy, will be among the last to return to work. But that can change with a return to performances in an "intimate club" setting. What was once a mainstay of a musician's work and income has over the years withered away, but it could return, and can play a central role in supporting the industry. Small audiences with separation are necessary if concerts and live music is to return and if we mandate it, it can. The musicians are available, their usual work isn't happening. The bars need atmosphere while they are deliberately half-empty. All it will take is for the government to tie allowing bars and clubs to open to them employing professional musicians to entertain their guests.
Scotland has a world class music industry across several genres, leading the way in rock, electronic, and trad music, and excelling in many others. We should make a specific effort to ensure the people making that music are given the platform and resources they need. That means venues, audiences, and pay. That pay will seem like a sticking point, after all, adding that burden to already struggling licensees isn't obviously a solution. But cover charges are possible when maximum occupancy is being carefully monitored, and giving public money to support an industry we can be so proud of should be easy to do.
by ejb on May 05, 2020 at 09:20PM
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