Social distancing in nightclubs spells financial ruin, business owners say in new UK survey
The survey was released to 200 businesses—including pubs, clubs, bars and live music venues—across the UK, which currently remains under lockdown. Here are the key findings:
• Businesses expect to be operating between 40 and 43 percent capacity once the lockdown has been lifted.
• At this reduced rate of capacity, 63.8 percent of businesses don’t expect to be financially viable and will need to seek financial support.
• The average cost of restarting a business post-lockdown will be £31,131, rising to £50,000-plus for nightclubs and suppliers.
• Businesses predict only 55 percent of the hospitality workforce will return.
• 93.8 percent of nightlife business owners are “concerned” that social distancing will spell financial ruin.
• 70.8 percent of business owners think the public perception and negative connotations surrounding COVID-19 will have a lasting effect.
Ahead of the lockdown lift, tentatively slated for July 4th, the nightlife industry has also requested a three-week notice period from the UK government so it can mobilise staff and suppliers. All UK clubs currently remain closed.
Nightlife is the UK’s fifth biggest industry, representing 8 percent of jobs and bringing in £66 billion per year.
Follow our rolling news coverage on the coronavirus’s impact on electronic music here.
Photo credit: Danny Seaton
