Last week, it was announced that extra restrictions would be put in place in England following a significant rise in cases due to the high infection rate of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Last. Night, a vote took place in parliament. The government decided to introduce the mandatory use of Covid-passports in large venues. In other words, people will need to show they are double vaccinated (soon to become double vaccinated with a booster once the numbers increase) in order to enter indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people. A negative PCR test will also allow for entry to these venues.
Following this news, many nightclub and venue owners say they are on the “brink of collapse” and that the introduction will lower their numbers even further over the Christmas period, posing “a threat to the very survival of thousands of businesses and jobs”. A recent study revealed that up to 40% of punters aren’t actually showing up to shows they’ve bought tickets to.
This paired with the fact fewer people are buying fewer tickets anyway is causing some major issues for the entire live music industry. Beverley Whitrick, Strategic Director of MVT (Music Venue Trust) states, “A ‘no show’ isn’t just lost ticket income, it’s lost bar take and excess staff costs” adding, “Rapid declines in attendance at this time of year represent an exponential threat to the whole sector, and losses of this magnitude cannot be sustained without throwing hundreds of music venues into crisis mode and at risk of permanent closure.”
“It’s now the proportionate and responsible thing to move to Plan B in England while continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the devolved administrations so we can slow the spread of the virus,” addressed Boris Johnson to the nation last week. MVT CEO Mark Davyd argued in response, “confusing government messaging had created a ‘stealth lockdown’ with venues apparently able to open but in reality, haemorrhaging money at a rate that will inevitably result in permanent closures unless the government acts quickly to prevent it.”.
The MVT is also backing the “Revive Live Tour” headlined by Bastille, Becky Hill, and The Coral with the objective to raise money for the industry by associating with the National Lottery. See here for details.
Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? Grab a buy-one-get-one-free ticket to The National Lottery’s #ReviveLive Tour and give the gift of an experience with some amazing artists this January at grassroots music venues!
https://t.co/wU6Yk8PE9K pic.twitter.com/yulsSoiuh1— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) December 14, 2021
In order to help nightlife survive, the NTIA (Night Time Industry Association, another industry acting as a union for the issue) are calling for a VAT for the sector at 12.5 per cent, additional grants unique to hospitality, and for the government to reinstate furlough for the first quarter of 2022. NTIA CEO, Michael Kill, claims, “Without this, the result is a threat to the very survival of thousands of businesses and jobs.”
