CORONAVIRUS saw the UK’s music industry grind to a halt from March – with many asking when nightclubs will be allowed to reopen.
The UK has phased the reopening of businesses from hairdressers and restaurants to gyms, beauty salons and swimming pools from Monday, July 13, but nightclubs and gig venues remain shut.
When are nightclubs reopening?
At present, it is unclear when nightclubs will open their doors again.
The government has not yet published a timeline detailing their transition to becoming Covid-secure.
In the Government’s three-step plan published on May 11, it states that reopening venues where the “core purpose is social interaction (such as nightclubs) may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in the numbers of infections”.
The Government plan read: “Reopening outdoor spaces and activities (subject to continued social distancing) comes earlier in the roadmap because the risk of transmission outdoors is significantly lower.”
How will social distancing work?
It is believed that nightclubs will be required to adhere to a strict set of rules before resuming operations.
On June 20, The Times reported how a document – reportedly drawn up by Government officials and hospitality industry executives – states that dance floors are “a challenging area to operate” with social distancing remaining in tact.
The report claimed the document suggested clubbers could be required to use hand sanitiser.
Dance floor fans may be subject to temperature checks before entry, and queuing outside venues would be spaced out with markings to maintain distancing.
What is currently open?
Outdoor pools and outdoor performances, including opera, theatre and music, will be allowed to reopen first, from July 11.
Meanwhile, beauty salons, tattoo studios and tanning salons will open from July 13.
Nail salons and massage parlours can also reopen from that date.
Indoor gyms, indoor pools and indoor sporting facilities can then reopen from July 25, in a boost for fitness buffs.
The following businesses are able to to open again as long as they are Covid-19 secure:
- Outdoor pools (July 11)
- Outdoor performances – theatre, opera, dance, music (July 11)
- Beauty salons (July 13)
- Tattoo studios (July 13)
- Piercing studios (July 13)
- Tanning salons (July 13)
- Massage parlours (July 13)
- Nail salons (July 13)
- Grassroot sports (July 13)
- Indoor gyms (July 25)
- Indoor pools (July 25)
- Indoor sports facilities (July 25)
But sadly, some businesses in the leisure industry are being forced to remain shut for the time being.
Businesses that are not allowed to open just yet include:
- Indoor theatre
- Nightclubs
- Casinos
- Indoor play areas including soft-play
- Bowling alleys
- Exhibition or conference centres – where they are to be used for exhibitions or conferences, other than for those who work for that venue.
