Clubs in the UK could be open again by late June, the UK Government has announced.
As part of the roadmap out of the current COVID-19 lockdown, Boris Johnson has revealed that restrictions will be lifted in four stages, with the reopening of clubs being one of the final measures to be given the go ahead.
The roadmap will see schools reopen from March 8, while two people from different households will be able to meet outside from the same date. From no earlier than March 29, gatherings of six people or more will be allowed to take place outdoors.
The second stage, from April 12 at the earliest , will see non-essential shops reopen, and then from May 17, cinemas, hotels and some venues will be allowed to open their doors.
If the previous stages of reopening are successful, the final step from no earlier than June 21 could see social distancing rules removed entirely, with music venues and nightclubs able to reopen.
Announcing the roadmap out of the lockdown, the UK Government has stressed that a number of tests must be passed before the whole country moves on to each new phase. Conditions include the ongoing successful roll out of the coronavirus vaccine, evidence that shows vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying or hospitalised with coronavirus, proof that infection rates do not pose a risk to a surge in hospital admissions, and data showing that new variants of the virus will not change the risk of lifting restrictions.
Though today’s announcement does offer some possible positive news for the embattled night-time sector, which has been largely closed since March last year, Michael Kill, who is CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), has said more support is needed for those in the industry in the meantime.
"We are pleased to hear within the Prime Minister’s statement the inclusion of a timeline for night-time economy businesses, in particular some of the hardest hit businesses, many of which have been closed since March 2020, like nightclubs, bars and casinos," Kill said. "Despite this, our evidence suggests that 85% of those who work in the night time economy are considering leaving the sector. The sector urgently needs additional clarity on reopening and critical financial support from the Chancellor if we are to avoid economic and social damage that will last a generation."
