UK Government offer no specific support for clubs in Chancellor’s statement

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The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA)  have issued a statement in response to a recent government announcement, highlighting a lack of support for nightclubs and late night venues.

Last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a financial package for the arts & culture industries, which included £270m in loans and £880million in grants for music venues, theatres, museums, heritage sites and galleries, to boost the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, Michael Kill of the NTIA has issued a statement, saying that “whilst there is much to be welcomed in this announcement for many businesses, it leaves many in our sector beleaguered.” He explained that most members of the NTIA are unable to open at all due to social distancing, or will be financially impacted if they reopen with a reduced capacity.

“It’s as if the Government are letting us slip through the cracks between the various well-intentioned schemes. A VAT cut when you just can’t open at all is not of any help. Late night venues in towns and cities across the country are facing catastrophe.

“That will be a tragedy for the business owners, their staff and their customers. But there will be a consequential set of problems when people, particularly youngsters, are left with nowhere to go for music and social entertainment. Instead, we’ll see a further rise in illegal raves and street parties which present a new set of challenges. We renew our call on the Government. You have to help us more with direct financial support.”

You can find out more about the NTIA here.

It’s been four months since prime minister Boris Johnson officially ordered a list of venues, which included clubs, pubs, bars, food and drink venues, theatres, and concert halls, to close their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. This weekend (4th July), pubs and restaurants reopened around the UK, but many arts and culture institutions remain shuttered.