Audiences may be allowed to return to music venues this Saturday 15th of August under the new government guidelines. The music venues and theatres will open under strict new rules, including operating on a reduced capacity in order to maintain social distancing. Night clubs and dance halls will remain closed for the time being.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that in order for these measures to be allowed, fines will get harsher on those who break the rules with fines of up to £3,200 for people repeatedly refusing to wear a mask in places where masks are compulsory. Organisers of illegal raves of more than 30 people could also face a £10,000 penalty, the prime minister said.
From 15 August, we’re making changes to the lockdown restrictions in England.
Find out more here: https://t.co/V5ffEF4o5b pic.twitter.com/91wnDPIYgT
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 14, 2020
Regarding the new rules, Boris Johnson has said; “At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus. Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.”
Other places opening up include casinos, bowling alleys, soft play and skate rinks. Weddings will now be allowed to have a sit-down meal with up to 30 people. Close contact beauty treatments including eyebrow threading, waxing, microblading and makeup applications will also be allowed. The government will be testing out having an audience at sports fixtures by allowing a small audience at the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre over the weekend.
From 15 August in England, indoor performances can restart with social distancing in place. pic.twitter.com/TzvfMKd4mC
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 14, 2020
These new guidelines have been announced just a few days after the Sam Fender played the UK’s first socially distanced show in the new Virgin Money Unity Arena, a venue created with the purpose of hosting socially distanced events. Speaking to Radio X, Sam said; “I just think the most important thing about today and about this time is reassuring people that this is going to end. We will get back to our lives. We will be in fields, absolutely steaming, drinking lukewarm cider in the boiling sun, listening to some rock band.”
