UK nightclubs to trial safe reopening with volunteers from April

News

Nightclubs in the UK are set to trial safe reopening with volunteers from April.

Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave hope to the night time economy and live events sectors — which have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic — announcing that nightclubs and music venues across the country could be reopened as soon as the 21st June.

Now, as part of the government’s “road map” to reopening the sectors, The Times reports that an “events research programme” in set to launch in April, with trial events at nightclubs, stadiums, theatres, concerts and other events venues all expected to take place with volunteers.

According to an article shared online, ten pilot events will take place from the beginning of April, and volunteers will be invited to attend nightclubs and a number of other venues to establish whether the sectors can reopen safely.

The pilots hope to establish what kind of testing regime and safety measures need to be in place before business is resumed, modelling a system of verification checks that can be used on or before arrival to events. The pilot will also look at ventilation in venues and how it reduces the risk of coronavirus transmission, as well as possibly introducing staggered entry and exit from events.

Results from the pilots starting in April will be reported back to parliament before the 21st June.

(Via: The Times)

Just last week, MPs were warned that UK nightlife faces “extinction” without immediate government action, after a survey of over 20,000 night time economy businesses, workers and consumers were asked to share experiences and opinions on the huge problems currently faced by the sector amid the pandemic.

In response to the new reopening dates, which will only go ahead if the government’s “four conditions” are met at each phase of lockdown easing, workers, organisations and spokespeople for the UK’s live music and night time economy have urged the government to continue providing financial support to the sector.