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UK music industry fears reignited as UK government announces mask and COVID passports for gigs

Plans threaten to derail recovery say industry experts

Concerns have been raised over the state of the UK’s live music industry, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that masks and COVID passports will be mandatory in gigs, nightclubs, theatres and cinemas throughout England.

From Friday December 10, masks will be required in cinemas and theatres. Meanwhile, on Wednesday 15th, either COVID passes (proof of double vaccination) or a negative lateral flow test will be required to enter concerts and nightclubs.

The new restrictions come after increased spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, which is infecting double-vaccinated individuals. The Omicron variant is yet to be fully understood, and while more data is being collected and assessed, the government have implemented the new measures as part of a ‘Plan B’ to stop the spread.

“It’s now the proportionate and responsible thing to move to Plan B in England, while continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the devolved administrations so we can slow the spread of the virus,” Johnson said.

However, the new measures have been heavily criticised by many live music industry pundits, who have raised concerns over unfair treatment towards the live music sector, in favour of bars, pubs and residential properties. 

Greg Parmley, CEO of live music organisation LIVE, said that “the introduction of Plan B results in an unfair double standard that allows people to go on all-day pub crawls in crowded bars without having to prove their COVID-19 status, whilst live music venues get hit with certification.”

He continued, “Across the country, music venues and events already have tried, tested and (put) workable systems in place to ensure that live events continue to be safe – and these remain effective. However, after such a prolonged closure throughout the pandemic it is important the industry is able to remain open and that the government have listened to the industry and included the use of lateral flow testing in COVID certification.”

Elsewhere, the government have been accused of scapegoating the live music industry, in order to save face for recent allegations of a COVID-unsafe Chirstmas party being held at 10 Downing Street last 18th December. After a recent video of the PM’s adviser Allegra Stratton was leaked joking and laughing about the party, Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said Boris Johnson “has thrown (the nightlife industry) under the bus.”

“Today’s announcement of Plan B by the government is devastating news for nightlife sector,” Kill said. “Vaccine passports have a damaging impact on Night Time Economy businesses, as we’ve seen in other parts of the UK where they have been implemented like Scotland – where trade is down 30 per cent – and Wales, where it is down 26 per cent.”

“Vaccine passports wouldn’t even have a significant impact on virus transmission – they don’t stop the spread of COVID but they do damage trade. You do, therefore, have to question the timing and rationale for this announcement. Is this sound evidence-based public policy making or is this an attempt to move the news agenda on from a damaging story about the Downing St Christmas party?”

France, meanwhile, has announced that it will close all nightclubs for four weeks starting this weekend, igniting further fears that the UK might follow suit.