Fifteen months and 700,000 jobs later, we’re still not going live. The Government’s announcement this week that the ending of all remaining social restrictions would be extended by four weeks to July 19 hardly came as a surprise. Indeed, it felt like we all knew it was going to happen before Ministers did – or maybe that’s just the way No10 likes to run things.
Anyway, the all-too-understandable delay in light of increasing Covid variant infections is upon us so the hospitality industry can’t do anything but grit teeth, put on a brave face, search behind the bar for a few more cliches and start counting the days till the next due date for opening up.
What’s needed is continuing support for the thousands of venues unable to trade in a normal way: help with cash flow, help with red tape and help with making these environments safe
The Night Time Industries Association is backing a campaign to get clubs and venues opened up as quickly (and safely) as possible. The #LetUsDance video and #SaveNightlife initiatives have attracted massive support but still need more backing, so tell your friends, family, potential clients and customers to get on board and search the hashtags across social media and the internet.
The need for caution when it comes to dealing with this deadly pandemic is obvious. What’s vexing a multi-billion pound industry which employs more than a million people is the lack of support. We’ve said before how unfair we think the distribution of pandemic aid is; certain sectors might be looked after but entertainment is struggling despite the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ and furlough schemes.
What’s needed is continuing support for the thousands of venues unable to trade in a normal way or even reopen: help with cash flow and wages, help with red tape once things open up again and help with making these environments safe and broadcasting that message to the public.
Complete Licensing can make sure your venue is watertight and ready to go with no licence loopholes or problems. All we need now is the chance to put these measures into practice.