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Economic Development

Sacha Lord sets out proposals to save night time economy

Mr Lord said the current restrictions on the hospitality sector are an "existential threat" to the industry

(Image: Joel Goodman)

Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester's night time economy adviser, has set out proposals to save the sector.

It comes as he blasted the government's "arrogant ignorance", warning the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ's £70bn night time economy could "perish", the .

Mr Lord said the current restrictions on the hospitality sector are an "existential threat" to the industry.

The Night Time Industries Association, of which he is a board member, says nearly half (45 per cent) of nightlife businesses it surveyed will make more than 60 per cent of their workforce redundant 'imminently' as a result of the current restrictions and the Chancellor's winter economy plan, which Mr Lord says is 'of little use' to the sector.

"With safety as a priority, we are ready to work with the Government, but the confusion and arrogant ignorance about the importance of this £70 billion sector has to end.

"The sector will be key as we move towards economic recovery, but it is imperative that they act and invest now to ensure there is an economy to go back to.”

The Parklife and Warehouse Project boss is calling for a sector specific extension of the furlough scheme for venues who cannot operate at full capacity, or which remain fully closed and are considered 'unviable' under Rishi Sunak's Job Support Scheme.

He also wants to see the 'reckless' 10pm curfew cancelled, arguing that driving crowds out of venues and into shops and public transport at the same time is unsafe.