Shut UK Nightclubs Worry About Not Seeing Light Of Day
Umer Jamshaid Published September 20, 2020 | 12:40 PM
London, Sept 20 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2020 ) :Inside a former London newspaper printing factory turned nightclub, a roaming urban fox has replaced throngs of dancers shut out by the coronavirus pandemic.
Six months after Covid-19 turned off the music and lights at London's Printworks and similar dance venues across Britain, there is no knowing when they will reopen.
The UK government on Friday warned that a second nationwide lockdown could be imminent as virus cases surge once more.
Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe by the pandemic, with nearly 42,000 deaths from the virus.
Numbers of new cases are meanwhile reaching levels not seen since April, with some attributed to illegal raves.
"We're fighting for our survival," Printworks' co-founder Simeon Aldred told AFP, from the nightclub that just a few months ago welcomed up to 5,000 clubbers an evening.
- 'Burning cash' - Aldred is unsure whether he and business partner Bradley Thompson will have to let go 400 staff working across all their venues or plan for reopenings, possibly early next year.
"We've been burning our own (cash) resources," he said, while deploring what he sees as a lack of government visibility.
"It won't go back exactly the way it was but I think people will still want to come together, eat together, pray together (and) dance together." Peter Marks, the chief executive of Deltic, one of Britain's largest nightclub groups with 53 venues, fears bankruptcy.
"We've come from a very successful healthy company to one brought to its knees," he told AFP, noting the closures are still costing it millions of Pounds in rent and other fixed costs.
This is despite government support with paying staff wages and thanks to tax cuts during the pandemic.
According to the Night Time Industries Association, UK nightclubs together with bars, pubs, restaurants and theatres generate �66 billion (71 billion Euros, $84 billion) annually and employ about 1.3 million people.
While the British government has been paying the bulk of wages for millions of workers during the pandemic, its furlough scheme is set to end in October, with analysts forecasting a surge in unemployment as a result.
"We know this is an incredibly difficult time for nightclubs, but they will need to remain closed for now in line with current scientific advice to control the virus," said a government statement.
"We continue to engage with industry representatives and listen to their concerns." While acknowledging the risks, Marks believes the clubs can reopen safely.
"We dont want to cause a spike (in virus cases) but we think we can have a way to come back with protocols to reduce the risks," he said.
Britain is meanwhile not alone in shutting nightclubs, with Berlin's famous Berghain venue transforming into a sound exhibition.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Dubai Police Marks International Workers' Day with 'Talabat' Riders
Sharjah Ruler inaugurates 15th annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
Parineeti Chopra opens up about her decision to marry politician Raghav Chadha
PCB decides to set up training camp for national team ahead of England, Ireland ..
Virat Kohli's sweet birthday wish for Anushka Sharma
Interior Minister commends Pakistan Coast Guards
Pakistan women’s squad announced for England tour
Punjab CM Maryam inaugurates initiative of field hospitals
PM Shehbaz constitutes committee to investigate caretaker govt’s wheat import ..
Women T20I: Pakistan to face West Indies in fourth match tomorrow
Pak-UK 6th Regional Stabilization Conference underway at NDU, Islamabad
World Labor Day being observed today
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Experts for ending child labour
13 hours ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
15 hours ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
3 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
4 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
4 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
4 days ago
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
6 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
6 days ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
8 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
10 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
10 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
10 days ago