Leaders in the hospitality and events sectors have welcomed news that Covid restrictions in England are set to ease on July 19 - but they said business would still need support as they looked to reopen.
Events industry bosses said the Government should back insurance schemes to help give organisers reassurance - while other business leaders called for clarity on face mask rules and on rules over isolation and contacts with positive Covid cases.
The Prime Minister said today that, subject to confirmation next week, remaining English Covid restrictions including mandatory face masks and social distancing are set to be lifted on July 19.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of 海角视频Hospitality, said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement marks a major milestone in how England will come to live with Covid and will be celebrated by hospitality business owners and their staff across the country.
“For the vast majority of hospitality businesses, July 19 – if confirmed next week – will be the first time in 16 months that they have been able to realistically look to break even and move towards profitability.”
She added: “Hospitality businesses will continue to provide safe and enjoyable experiences as we move into the summer and beyond and, in doing so, will also safeguard jobs, livelihoods and the venues we cherish so much.
“In order to do so, venues will need autonomy to act according to their own risk assessments, without local authority gold-plating, and a workable test and trace system that doesn’t demand blanket self-isolation like the test to remain-style system, to ensure that we can both protect our staff but trade with sufficient teams.”
Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, said he was “thrilled for all involved in the night life sector” after today's announcement, but said companies would still need support.
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He added: “We must recognise that with the crippling debt burdens accrued over the past 18 months, these same businesses will be fighting for their survival for the next three years at least.
“It is imperative that the Government continues to support the sectors most affected by this crisis in order to stave off a generation of unemployment and bankruptcy.”
Paul Reed, chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals, was one of several sector leaders to call for a Government-backed insurance scheme for events.
He said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and that large events including festivals are expected to be able take place from July 19. It is positive for organisers, fans and artists alike that there will be some activity this year, though clearly it is too late for the estimated 56% of 海角视频 festivals that have already been forced to cancel and are still awaiting details of emergency funding and the next round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
“We now urge Government to finally act on insurance and announce a Government-backed scheme immediately. Insurance remains the key obstacle to planning with confidence and there is no rationale for not implementing such a scheme if the Government’s road map is truly irreversible.
“We also need to ensure there is clear guidance for organisers and local authorities no later than July 12, so that events don’t unravel at a local level. We ask that Government also explore solutions for staff that will be affected by test and trace and isolation policies working at events this summer.”
A similar call was made by Greg Parmley, chief executive of music industry trade body LIVE.
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He said: “The live music industry is very pleased with the Prime Minister’s statement, and it seems we will finally see a return to full capacity performances on July 19. We have watched the rest of the economy reopen while our doors have been forced to remain closed since the start of the pandemic, but today’s announcements will generate considerable excitement amongst music fans across the country.
“To save the rest of the summer and autumn schedule we now desperately need a Government-backed insurance scheme to provide the security required to invest in events. Government ministers have repeatedly said that a scheme would be announced once the legal barriers to full performances were removed. Well, we are now almost at that point and there must be no further delay if we are to reap the benefits of the superb vaccine rollout.”
And Phil Bowdery, chairman of the Concert Promoters Association, said: “I am delighted that the Government has made the right choice today, letting the much-loved live music sector get back to doing what it does best.
“While we absolutely cannot wait to safely welcome back our fans, we are missing one piece of the puzzle – insurance. We need a Government-backed scheme to provide the security needed to start investing in events over the coming months, shoring up our industry and stimulating the wider economy as we build back following the pandemic.”
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “We have been encouraged by much of what the Prime Minister said today about what Government restrictions will look like in the next phase of reopening.
“The end of social distancing; the end of the rule of six and table service for indoor mixing; no ban on mass events; the removal of the need to scan a QR code to enter venues; and the decision not to introduce Covid status certification – these are all very important steps that we have been campaigning for, because they are the restrictions which have decimated the night-time economy over the last 16 months.
“We were disappointed again, despite the positive noises, that the Prime Minister did not confirm that reopening would be going ahead on July 19. As we commented at the time of the last decision on restrictions, one week is simply not enough time for businesses to plan to reopen – and it betrays the sense that the Government doesn’t understand what it takes to reopen businesses after over a year without trading.”
Chairman of the Production Services Association David Keighley said: “It’s really good to hear from our Prime Minister that we can hopefully and finally get back to normal after July 19.
“The concert touring, festivals and events sector of our economy have been the hardest hit by Covid. We were the first to stop and we are only now being allowed to reopen. We must all be truly thankful for the vaccines as this is the reason we can almost get back to normal.”
Philippa Childs, head of entertainment union Bectu, said the cultural sector still faced confusion.
She said: “The end of social distancing restrictions is welcome news for theatres, venues and events that have been forced to close for over a year, but the continuing confusion over isolation rules and mask wearing means that it won’t be a return to business as usual on July 19.
“The Government must work to build public confidence in the safety of venues and understanding of the new guidance.
“With much of the sector set to lose two summers in a row of vital income, some bridging support will be crucial to avoid mass redundancies and ensure a successful recovery.
“This means a targeted extension of furlough and the SEISS (Self-Employment Income Support Scheme) and the introduction of a Government-backed insurance scheme to provide much-needed confidence to the sector.”
Julian Bird, chief executive of Society of London Theatre and 海角视频 Theatre, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation that July 19 will see the lifting of remaining lockdown restrictions – meaning that theatres can open to full audiences for the first time in 16 months.
“This is a lifeline for our industry, essential for the survival of theatres across the country.
“We will be working closely with Government in the coming days on revising the performing arts guidelines, ensuring that our audiences and staff can feel safe and confident in returning.”
Richard Burge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses will welcome the ability to reopen their doors, increase capacity and implement new working plans.
He added: “Next up needs to come systems to enable the safe return of more international visitors and outbound business travel.
“In the immediate term all those involved must double-down on raising London’s vaccination rate.
“And whilst good work is being done to reassure about hygiene standards, we must also now hear clarity regarding face covering usage on London’s transport network.
“Confidence in public transport is key to both commuter and visitor return to London.”