COVID-19’s impact on UK nightlife to be investigated in new inquiry

COVID-19’s impact on UK nightlife is being investigated in a new inquiry, which was launched this week. 

Led by Westminster’s newly formed All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), Labour MP Jeff Smith is chairing, a politician who previously worked in the nightlife sector for several years. All night time economy businesses, workers and consumers are now being asked to share experiences and opinions on the huge problems currently facing the sector. 

You can submit your views via an online survey, accessible through the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) website. 

While the UK Government has been vocal about financial support offered to everything from music venues to theatres, critics continue to argue more money and targeted support is needed. In december, the NTIA issued a further warning about the devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic  — stating that over 75% of British nighttime businesses are currently facing permanent closure. 

“As we move now into a third national lockdown, there has never been a more important time for Government to address the urgent needs of Night Time Economy businesses, their supply chains and those that rely on them for employment. Despite playing such a vital role in our local communities and UK economy, nightlife businesses have been repeatedly overlooked by the Government, and we are determined to ensure that the specific challenges facing the sector are addressed,” said MP Jeff Smith. 

In other COVID-19 music news, Isle Of Wight Festival boss John Giddings has shared tentative plans for the music and events industry to assist in the rollout of vaccines, the next round of Arts Council England grants have opened for applications (with DJs and other music professionals eligible), and a test event in Barcelona, Spain, has shown that same-day testing for the virus could be a viable route back to live indoor music.