NTIA report shows businesses teetering on the edge in cost-of-living crisis

A report from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has shown that despite glimpses of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could deliver the final blow for some night time businesses. In the decade leading up to the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the UK’s night time cultural economy (NTCE) showed steady …

NTIA report demonstrates importance of electronic music in the UK

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has presented its first UK Electronic Music Industry Report, which has demonstrated the economic, community and cultural value of the electronic music industry, and the genre’s interwoven presence in live concerts, events, venues and festivals. Published in collaboration with Audience Strategies, the report showcased how electronic music has had …

NTIA expresses concern over nightclub closures 

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has expressed its concern over the number of nightclubs that have closed down in the last three years. Statistics from data and insight consultancy CGA demonstrated that there are only 1,130 nightclubs currently open in the UK, a significant decrease compared to pre-pandemic. The data showed that the Midlands …

New South Wales to relax coronavirus restrictions

The New South Wales Government in Australia is set to relax coronavirus restrictions, with QR codes for check in only required at nightclubs and large festivals.  From Friday 18, there will be no density limits for hospitality venues, which previously had to adhere to one person per two square metres.  QR check-ins at venues such …

Wales to relax remaining restrictions on events and venues

Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that from February 18, the legal requirement to show a COVID Pass to enter certain venues and events will be removed.  The COVID Pass was originally brought in to show proof of vaccination against coronavirus, or a negative test upon entry.  Drakeford said: “With increasing numbers of people …

Northern Ireland, France to ease restrictions, German live entertainment bodies call for help

Northern Ireland has joined the rest of the United Kingdom in easing a number of COVID-19 restrictions. However, the country will maintain the COVID-19 certification scheme for nightclubs, indoor unseated or partially seated events with 500 people or more. The COVID-19 certification scheme means that attendees will still have to provide proof of double vaccination …

Covid passes in England to be scrapped from Thursday next week

The UK Government confirmed this (Wednesday) lunchtime that so-called ‘Plan B’ restrictions will be eased in England from Thursday, January 27, meaning COVID-19 passes will no longer be required for entering sport and entertainment venues, events and nightclubs. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced that face masks will no longer be required, but should be …

Wales eases restrictions for outdoor events from tomorrow

COVID-19 restrictions in Wales will be eased over the next two weeks, including limits that had been brought in for live sport, outdoor events and nightclubs, due to the spread of the Omicron variant. From tomorrow (Saturday) the number of attendees allowed to be present at an outdoor event will rise from 50 to 500. …

COVID passes ‘kill spontaneity’ says Parklife co-founder

Manchester-based Parklife festival and Warehouse Project co-founder Sacha Lord has said that the introduction of COVID-19 passports in England will “kill the spontaneity” of going out, according to reports. COVID-19 passes were introduced in England in December, meaning that attendees to events and venues had to provide proof of vaccination against coronavirus. Speaking to the …

Sector considering “legal options” over Welsh nightclub closures

The Welsh Government has announced that nightclubs will have to close after 26 December as part of a national effort to combat the spread of Omicron. Nightclubs must close from midnight on 27 December, while social distancing will return in offices and shops, and one-way systems will be reintroduced in supermarkets. Businesses will also be …