Government Shuts Door on NightclubsOver 80% of nightclub businesses will not survive past FebruaryOFFICIAL PRESS RELEASENEWS PROVIDED BY Global Publicity Without urgent action 2021 will see the ‘extinction’ of nightclubs, warn the Night Time Industries Association. The failure so far of the UK Government to recognise the devastating impact of their actions on this sector is a tragedy for UK Culture. Nightclubs and late night venues have been closed since March, with many suggesting they will not survive past the end of February. The facts stand that Nightclubs/Late Night Venues have been given limited, and in many cases hugely disproportionate support outside of Furlough for the year they have been closed and suffered extreme financial hardship for over 11 months, with many seeing the end of February as the last stand for their future. As nightclubs and late night venues remain shut due to Government restrictions, Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), points to several factors that will cause many nightclubs and late night venues to go out of business in 2021, in the absence of Government support: -A lack of appropriate financial support for the sector from the Government Recent survey of over 100 Nightclubs has shown some catastrophic results: -88% of Nightclubs within the UK in Over 2 Months Rent Arrears with 50% Over 3 Months Rent Arrears moving into another Quarter at the start of January. Says Michael Kill, CEO NTIA: “We are a world leader in electronic music and clubs - and have been a breeding ground for contemporary music talent, events and dj's for decades. Nightclubs have made a huge contribution to our culture sector and are renowned globally” "Throughout this Pandemic and the restrictive measures levied against the sector, it is clear that these businesses are being systematically eradicated from society. As they continue to be excluded from the narrative of press announcements and planning, and through misconceptions and misguided understanding of the sector, from age old stereotyping the sector has been given little or no opportunity to re engage even with very clear ability to open spaces safely." “The current proposed changes in planning reform under permitted development rights is a huge threat to the sector as this has the potential to allow for the demolition and rebuilding of 'vacant and redundant' light industrial buildings as homes, given that over 88% of Nightclub businesses are over two quarters of rent in arrears, we are poised for a windfall of landlords at the end of March when the Forfeiture Moratoria comes to end, reclaiming their property and utilising this mechanism to convert many of our much loved cultural spaces and social environments into housing." "Banks and Financial services whether it be insurance or lending within the sector has been near on impossible, with confidence in the sector at a new low, coupled with ineligibility for much of the financial provision outside of furlough, the extensive period of closure without recognition of the proportionate financial support needed for these businesses is being perceived by the sector as negligence." "Consider this as an Industry, we have faced extreme adversity during this pandemic battling against financial hardship, increased regulatory constraints, business critical planning changes, financial services turning their backs on us and the continued refusal for the leaders of this country to mention Nightclubs or Late Night venues within the narrative - This is not negligence, this an intention to cull the sector advertently" "These amazing creative spaces are the breeding grounds for nurturing talent, bringing communities together, building resilience and expanding the global phenomenon around UK club culture and electronic and live music" “The Government needs to support Nightclubs and Late Night Venues with a robust financial package and which is tailored to support businesses that have been closed since March and a roadmap giving a clear indication of the timelines for re opening against the backdrop of the vaccination rollout, to give hope to many who are overburdened with debt” Graeme Park, DJ/Musician, Manchester: DJ Paulette, DJ / Musician, Manchester: Yousef, DJ. Circus events, Circus Recordings, Liverpool “Circus’ impact to the local economy is significant. Circus’ last event employs over 150 + people with over 3000 people attending. Locally with taxis, bars, hotels, clothes shops, restaurants all hugely benefitting from the surrounding eco system.” “Furthermore much of the student population cites Circus as an additional reason to study in Liverpool. This has all completely stopped. The audience is ready to go, the artists are ready to go, and Circus is ready to open and welcome. For now after a generation of efforts we are living in a very precarious state of limbo.” Damien Fell, The Arch, Brighton Laila Mckenzie, Freelance Promoter - Founder of Parallel Dimensions Hans Hess, Egg, London: “The nightlife industry isn’t just about booking the biggest artists though, it’s about putting on shows to bring joy and happiness to all countless generations.” “That’s why we feel we need to pressure the government, because when things go back to normal there won’t be any brands, venues or promoters left to help us through the times to lift the spirits of our nation without support from the government . Because one thing for sure when we do open people won’t be able to wait to go and dance and socialise with friends and family.” “So Boris Johnson come on do the right thing and show your commitment to help the nightlife industry” Drew Burke - Director Hangar, Birmingham Mike Grieve MD SubClub, Glasgow: Ricky Magowan, Colours, Scotland: Carl Bathgate, Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events: “Many of these venues are under imminent threat of closure although they are under normal circumstances sustainable businesses that are culturally and economically significant to their region. The effect of these closures would be devastating on the community and will have wide ranging cultural and financial implications especially when considering the resulting effects on many other businesses reliant on a vibrant night time economy.” Ty Temel, Owner Halo Nightclub, Bournemouth: “Economy: Our sector is a huge contributor to the local economy. The Bournemouth hospitality sector produces an estimated 134 million pounds annual revenue to the local economy. That doesn't include supply chain businesses such as transport, cleaning etc.” “Safety: The wider implications of a well-managed local night-time industry should not be underplayed. There are hundreds of security staff, CCTV operators, first responders etc that remain fairly invisible to you, but who work closely with the local emergency services to make sure we create controlled and safe environment for people to enjoy themselves..” “Nightclubs have been partially if not fully closed since March 2020 with no real light at the end of the tunnel. Yet have not received any of the benefits other hospitality sectors have received such as 'eat out to help out' for restaurants.” Contact
Source Global Publicity
February 4, 2021 6:54am ET by Global Publicity |