Restaurants report cancellations as new measures come into place
NIGHTCLUBS, dancehalls, and discos are among the venues affected by the new Covid-related entry requirements set out in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s move to Plan B in England.
Far from ‘saving’ Christmas, the Prime Minister has given our sector the horrible present of more pain for businesses
From Friday 10 December, face coverings have become compulsory in England in most public indoor venues, including shops and supermarkets, post offices and banks, barbers and hair salons, takeaways, libraries, places of worship, visitor attractions, indoor areas of sports stadiums, public transport and taxis.
Masks and vaccines passporrts
Face coverings are not required in hospitality venues where food and drink are consumed (such as pubs, cafés and restaurants), or during exercise (such as gyms), including dancing (such as nightclubs).
From Wednesday 15 December, and subject to parliamentary approval, the NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather – including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
The impact on nightlife
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said that the Prime Minister’s announcement of Plan B was devastating news for the nightlife sector.
“The UK Government has twice ruled out vaccine passports before twice changing their mind. The mixed public health messages this week that have been coming out of the Government have arrived at the worst possible time – the pre-Christmas period is absolutely crucial for our sector.
“And now it has announced damaging vaccine passports are to be implemented. Far from ‘saving’ Christmas, the Prime Minister has given our sector the horrible present of more pain for businesses desperately trying to recoup losses from earlier in the pandemic.
"The fact that businesses have only been given one week to make such an enormous change to their operating model is an additional insult.”
Rules for entry unclear
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company and Chair of LVEN (Liverpool Visitor Economy Network) said they needed clarity on exactly what proof of COVID status will involve.
“We are working with venues and organisations across retail, hospitality, culture and the wider Liverpool Visitor Economy to ensure they have clear guidance for both their staff, customers, visitors and audience. This is a huge, logistical challenge for organisations and we would ask for everyone’s patience,” said Mr Addy.
“Christmas is a crucial time for organisations within the city as people visit theatres, music venues, concerts and more. Culture, arts and entertainment lost 20% of its sector GVA due to COVID restrictions, with Merseyside one of the worst regions affected.
“This sector is a major employer in our city and a loss of income affects jobs, venues and risks us starting 2022 a step behind. These venues being forced to change their guidance to audiences deserve support for any loss of income."
Cancellations threaten hospitality again
Since the Prime Minister’s announcement, many restaurants have said they have received a flood of cancellations, despite the guidance for England saying that Christmas parties can go ahead.
Dave Critchley, executive chef at Lu Ban in Liverpool wrote on Twitter:
“We will carry on cooking, serving and providing the best Christmas experience we can this December and we hope you will be joining us.
“Although it feels a lot like groundhog day at the moment and there’s loads of confusion at the moment, we will continue to do what we’ve done these last 18 months and provide the best service we can to you all however we can.”
pic.twitter.com/4VKFkbcRlx
— chef dave critchley (@DaveJCritchley) December 9, 2021
Omicron response in other countries
COVID measures put in place since the new Omicron variant was discovered vary from country to country.
Denmark already requires a corona passport to get into public venues, but has now ordered nightclubs, bars and restaurants to close at midnight, banned concerts with more than 50 people standing and ordered people to wear face masks in eateries when not seated.
In Norway, a 10-person limit for gatherings at private homes has been introduced, as well as the return of social distancing in restaurants. Germany now excludes those who are unvaccinated from visiting nonessential stores, restaurants and sports and cultural venues, while France has closed nightclubs for the next four weeks.
Italy has introduced a new “super pass” that means only people with proof of vaccination or of having recovered from COVID-19 can eat at indoor restaurants, go to the movies or attend sporting events. A basic health pass, which includes the possibility of having a negative COVID-19 test, is now required for local transport.
Austria plans to make coronavirus vaccines compulsory, with those who refuse the jab facing a fine of up to 3,600 euros.
Follow Vicky Andrews on Twitter: @planetvicster
