Some UK nightclubs are considering reopening their doors on 21 June even if the government pushes back the date for lifting lockdown restrictions.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), told City A.M. the sector was “getting to breaking point”, adding that a potential delay to reopening had sparked “panic and anxiety” for businesses.
He said the industry was now considering “every avenue” for challenging a delay, including a legal battle, while some venues were considering protests or opening their doors regardless.
The lobby group, which represents British bars, nightclubs and live music events, is also in talks with companies in different sectors such as hospitality about launching a collective challenge.
Fears have been mounting that the final stage of the government’s roadmap for ending Covid measures could be pushed back by several weeks amid concerns about the spread of the Indian variant of the virus.
Ministers met with scientific advisers this week and will announce their decision on Monday.
The pushback from nightlife groups comes after Andrew Lloyd-Webber vowed to reopen his theatres at full capacity later this month regardless of the rules.
The theatre entrepreneur said he was willing to risk arrest if authorities tried to intervene.
‘Very frustrating’
The UK’s nightlife sector has been one of the worst impacted by the pandemic, with many remaining closed since March last year.
A survey conducted by the NTIA found 95 per cent of businesses in the sector had already made financial commitments and logistical preparations to reopen, including ordering stock, calling in staff and selling tickets.
Kill warned that a delay would result in the loss of business and livelihoods, “culminating in further loss of confidence in the sector”.
If a legal challenge goes ahead, it will not be the first time businesses have taken the government to court over lockdown policy.
The hospitality sector last month lost a legal challenge in the High Court over the reopening of indoor dining.
Responding to Lloyd-Webber’s comments this morning Julian Knight, chair of the DCMS committee, said a possible delay was “very frustrating for the live events industry”, though he added he “clearly wouldn’t support anyone breaking the law”.
Article reproduced from City AM, London's leading Business Newspaper
Bio
Some UK nightclubs are considering reopening their doors on 21 June even if the government pushes back the date for lifting lockdown restrictions.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), told City A.M. the sector was “getting to breaking point”, adding that a potential delay to reopening had sparked “panic and anxiety” for businesses.
He said the industry was now considering “every avenue” for challenging a delay, including a legal battle, while some venues were considering protests or opening their doors regardless.
The lobby group, which represents British bars, nightclubs and live music events, is also in talks with companies in different sectors such as hospitality about launching a collective challenge.
Fears have been mounting that the final stage of the government’s roadmap for ending Covid measures could be pushed back by several weeks amid concerns about the spread of the Indian variant of the virus.
Ministers met with scientific advisers this week and will announce their decision on Monday.
The pushback from nightlife groups comes after Andrew Lloyd-Webber vowed to reopen his theatres at full capacity later this month regardless of the rules.
The theatre entrepreneur said he was willing to risk arrest if authorities tried to intervene.
‘Very frustrating’
The UK’s nightlife sector has been one of the worst impacted by the pandemic, with many remaining closed since March last year.
A survey conducted by the NTIA found 95 per cent of businesses in the sector had already made financial commitments and logistical preparations to reopen, including ordering stock, calling in staff and selling tickets.
Kill warned that a delay would result in the loss of business and livelihoods, “culminating in further loss of confidence in the sector”.
If a legal challenge goes ahead, it will not be the first time businesses have taken the government to court over lockdown policy.
The hospitality sector last month lost a legal challenge in the High Court over the reopening of indoor dining.
Responding to Lloyd-Webber’s comments this morning Julian Knight, chair of the DCMS committee, said a possible delay was “very frustrating for the live events industry”, though he added he “clearly wouldn’t support anyone breaking the law”.
Article reproduced from City AM, London's leading Business Newspaper
More Players
"HEY HEY" DENNIS FERRER, THE 51ST FESTIVAL HEADLINER!
'RELEASE YOURSELF' TO ROGER SANCHEZ AT 51ST FESTIVAL!
80% of Clubs will close by March without Government Support
A NEW EXHIBITION EXPLORING RAVE CULTURE IS OPENING IN MILTON KEYNES
A NEW EXHIBITION IS EXPLORING HOUSE MUSIC IN COVENTRY
APPG Release Report on Impact of COVID-19 on UK NIGHTLIFE
Anane reaches Number One in the Album Charts!
BRING BACK THE SUN - OPOLOPO REMIX
CALL TO ACTION: EMBARGO Monday 9th November 10am
CKP's Daughter making fame in Love Island!
Cafe de Paris is to close its doors. Permanently.
Download the Apple and Android App HERE!
Fame Is For Fools
Feel Alive
HELP TO RESCUE THE UK'S NIGHT TIME INDUSTRIES BY SIGNING THIS PETITION
HOUSE FM TAKING OVER THE 51ST FESTIVAL VIP ARENA!! 🥰🌟
Heartfelt Love and Condolences in Memory of Phil Asher
House Inspirations with Barbara Tucker
INDIA TO GRACE THE GROOVE ODYSSEY STAGE
Inaya Day Releases House Music Summer Anthem 'Feelin' Feelin''
It’s unfair that Nightclubs have been left to die
JACK GREALISH: “I’D BE A CLUB PROMOTER IN IBIZA IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALLER"
Jocelyn Brown
KERRI CHANDLER PRODUCES HIS FIRST ALBUM IN 14 YEARS
Listen and Grab the Vega Family Christmas Collection
Louie Vega Dance Ritual
Louie Vega's 2020 Grammy Nomination
Louie Vega: The Master DJ Producer
Louie Vega’s Dance Ritual Celebrates Women’s History Month
MARK RADFORD DROPS NEW SINGLE AND LAUNCHES AUDIO REHAB TRACK DOWNLOAD APP
Mixmag are featuring Mark Radford's Audio Rehab Show amongst the Best Mixes of 2021 so far!
NEW ELECTRONIC MUSIC MUSEUM, "OUR HOUSE", TO OPEN IN AMSTERDAM THIS MONTH
NEWSFLASH!!!!!!!!!!! MASTERS AT WORK RELAUNCH MAW RECORDS
New £5 DIY Covid tests could see crowds returning to events and more!
Night-Time Economy - All Parliamentary Group COVID Online Survey
Nightclubs ‘may open doors’ on 21 June regardless of rules
Out Now King & Queen
PAUL "Trouble" ANDERSON'S ALLSTAR Macmillan BIRTHDAY BOOGIE
PIONEER DJ REVEALS TWO NEW SERATO CONTROLLERS
Roger Sanchez - One Thousandth Show... Wow!!!
SIX DJS RESPOND TO THE GOVERNMENT TELLING THEM TO GET NEW JOBS
Sending good vibes to Louie for his Grammy Nomination
Soul II Soul - Back to Life - Zepherin Saint Remix
TODD EDWARDS ALL-TIME GARAGE TOP 10
TODD THE GOD BRINGS US THE LIGHT!
Tiarna-Ann Pearce, Commonwealth Champion and Firefighter
Traxsource Top 100 Artists of 2020 with Weekly Shows on House FM!
UK Music Venues to trial "Health Passports" as a way to safely restart Events
Unlimited Boundaries – Interview with Groove Chronicles (Noodles)
Vince Montana Tribute