90% of independent music venues in the States will be forced to close without further government support, study finds

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90% of independent music venues in the States will be forced to close without further government support, a study has found.

The National Independent Venue Association, which includes members in the form of 9:30 club in Washington D.C., Los Angeles’ Kohai, and Smartbar in Chicago, shared a policy and fact sheet to present to congress for federal relief, and included results of questions put to NIVA members.

Speaking about the closure of clubs due to COVID-19, NIVA revealed that 90% of its members reported they would face closure within months without federal funding, explaining the current PPP does not cover the costs. It also shared that the estimated direct annual economic impact venues bring to local communities is nearly $10 billion.

Through the campaign #SaveOurStages, which has been supported by the likes of André 3000, Billy Joel and Lady Gaga, NIVA are requesting long-term assistance for shuttered businesses, relief through tax credits, and the continuation of unemployment insurance benefits.

You can see the full NIVA policy and fact sheet here.

Earlier this year, NYC Nightlife United was launched by Brooklyn bar Friends and Lovers and event promoter and publication AdHoc, with the aim of providing “immediate relief to shuttered cultural spaces affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”