London's nightclub industry is unlikely to be back to business as normal anytime soon
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On Saturday, life in London will return to something ever so slightly more resemblant of normality. Pubs will be frequented again, restaurants will be dined in and much needed haircuts will take place. However, most of the capital’s nightclubs will remain firmly off limits.
Nightclubs are being left out
London’s infamous nightclubs have not been allowed to join the swathe of reopening this weekend. The Government deems them as being “close proximity” venues.
There is an option for nightclubs to reinvent themselves as socially distanced bars. However, for many this is not financially viable.
Additionally, other sectors such as gyms and casinos are being forced to wait for authorisation to reopen from the authorities.
After three months of uncertainty, several industries see light at the end of the tunnel. In contrast, the nightclub business remains stuck in choppy water.
Government intervention
So far, Government proposals for when nightclubs can reopen have been accused of lacking clarity and ambiguous.
Last week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced a “five step plan.” This is for an eventual reopening of live music venues and theatres.
However, it still remains unclear whether the framework will be used to the possible unlocking of the nightclub industry.
Worldwide notoriety
London’s nightclubs are known throughout the world. And under normal circumstances, attract revellers at all times of the year.
Nightclubs provide both casual and full-time employment in everything from security to bar work. Moreover, large earnings are rife. Thus highlighting nightclubs are important contributors to the economy.
Nightclubs ‘fighting for its life’
The NITA calculates that the UK’s night time economy generates £66 billion in revenue per year. Much of this comes from London, with casinos and nightclubs among the most important assets.
Hannah Carner has worked as a junior manager at a nightclub in Camden for almost four years.
She admits that the industry is currently fighting for its life. Carner told City News:
“It is a disaster really. Everyone is heading back to pubs and restaurants this weekend but we are having to remain shut.”
“Everyone is celebrating like it is the end of lockdown. I am worried that nightclubs and live music venues are going to be forgotten about.
“It is such an amazing place to work but financially speaking we are on our last legs. If we go much longer without revenue we simply won’t be able to afford to keep things going.
“It is really perilous.
“Having experienced nightlife in so many different cities, I can honestly say that the nightclubs in London are the best in the world. There is a real risk that all of this will be lost now.”
Fear for the future
It is hard to see how nightclubs will be able to operate as normal anytime soon. This is a result of social distancing looking like it will become a long lasting part of daily life.
There is genuine fear that the damaging ramifications of the pandemic will leave a permanent scar on London’s famous nightlife.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineAre London nightclubs a forgotten victim of Covid-19?
Short HeadlineLondon nightclubs face "perilous" future
StandfirstNo date has been announced for when the capital's infamous clubbing scene can open its doors once more
On Saturday, life in London will return to something ever so slightly more resemblant of normality. Pubs will be frequented again, restaurants will be dined in and much needed haircuts will take place. However, most of the capital’s nightclubs will remain firmly off limits.
Nightclubs are being left out
London’s infamous nightclubs have not been allowed to join the swathe of reopening this weekend. The Government deems them as being “close proximity” venues.
There is an option for nightclubs to reinvent themselves as socially distanced bars. However, for many this is not financially viable.
Additionally, other sectors such as gyms and casinos are being forced to wait for authorisation to reopen from the authorities.
After three months of uncertainty, several industries see light at the end of the tunnel. In contrast, the nightclub business remains stuck in choppy water.
Government intervention
So far, Government proposals for when nightclubs can reopen have been accused of lacking clarity and ambiguous.
Last week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced a “five step plan.” This is for an eventual reopening of live music venues and theatres.
However, it still remains unclear whether the framework will be used to the possible unlocking of the nightclub industry.
Worldwide notoriety
London’s nightclubs are known throughout the world. And under normal circumstances, attract revellers at all times of the year.
Nightclubs provide both casual and full-time employment in everything from security to bar work. Moreover, large earnings are rife. Thus highlighting nightclubs are important contributors to the economy.
Nightclubs ‘fighting for its life’
The NITA calculates that the UK’s night time economy generates £66 billion in revenue per year. Much of this comes from London, with casinos and nightclubs among the most important assets.
Hannah Carner has worked as a junior manager at a nightclub in Camden for almost four years.
She admits that the industry is currently fighting for its life. Carner told City News:
“It is a disaster really. Everyone is heading back to pubs and restaurants this weekend but we are having to remain shut.”
“Everyone is celebrating like it is the end of lockdown. I am worried that nightclubs and live music venues are going to be forgotten about.
“It is such an amazing place to work but financially speaking we are on our last legs. If we go much longer without revenue we simply won’t be able to afford to keep things going.
“It is really perilous.
“Having experienced nightlife in so many different cities, I can honestly say that the nightclubs in London are the best in the world. There is a real risk that all of this will be lost now.”
Fear for the future
It is hard to see how nightclubs will be able to operate as normal anytime soon. This is a result of social distancing looking like it will become a long lasting part of daily life.
There is genuine fear that the damaging ramifications of the pandemic will leave a permanent scar on London’s famous nightlife.
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