Nightclubs and late night venues are “facing catastrophe” after being left to “slip through the cracks” by the Government, a leading industry body has warned.
It comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a raft of measures aimed at restarting the UK economy in his Commons statement on Wednesday, such as cutting the rate of VAT for hospitality and tourism.
On July 5, a £1.57bn rescue package for the country’s arts sector was also unveiled. In announcing the scheme, the Government made specific reference to “live music venues”, but failed to mention nightclubs and late night venues.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night-Time Industries Association, said that while “there is much to be welcomed” for many businesses in Mr Sunak’s statement, “it leaves many in our sector beleaguered”.
Mr Kill added: “Most of our members either can’t open at all due to social distancing, or can only open with reduced capacity resulting in more financial losses. It’s as if the Government are letting us slip through the cracks between the various well-intentioned schemes.
“A VAT cut when you just can’t open at all is not of any help. Late night venues in towns and cities across the country are facing catastrophe.”
Mr Kill also pointed to the knock-on effects of closures, claiming that young people would be “left with nowhere to go for music and social entertainment. Instead, we’ll see a further rise in illegal raves and street parties, which present a new set of challenges”.
“We renew our call on the Government,” Mr Kill said. “You have to help us more with direct financial support.”
No date has been given by the Government for music venues and nightclubs to reopen in the UK.
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