As is an all too common theme at present with COVID-19 turning the lights off on the live entertainment industry independent venues are struggling to remain afloat. The UK Government have introduced the Job Retention Scheme or “FURLOUGH” to help businesses retain their staff and in essence, keep the lights on at their business, but this is not the case for all businesses and it has been spectacularly highlighted that large parts of the nightlife industry have been left to fend for itself.
One such venue and long-standing bastion of the UK live entertainment community Glasgow’s Sub Club has been advised that it does not meet the required criteria for the much-needed financial lifeline. The result is that the venue that has been in operation for the last 33 years is at serious risk of being scuttled. The influential basement club has weathered a number of storms in its lifetime but with the venue paying their 31 staff at 80% of their wage since lockdown occurred in March this could not be sustained. With a noted continued lack of support from the authorities, this means that while the club is out of pocket to the tune of £31,864 the expected rebate from the national scheme the financial reprieve will simply not arrive.
With this in mind, The Subbie has made the hard decision to reach out to its loyal supporters for a much-needed cash injection in order to stay afloat. The Sub Club like many venues are at the very bedrock of the UK’s creative core and should be recognised as being national treasures not just items to be written off as collateral damage. These businesses are just as in need of financial support as other entertainment outlets such as the Weatherspoon’s chain which received an incredible amount of £48million. It would be an absolute travesty for this venue to shutter due to a technicality such as scheme criteria and it is our duty to do whatever we can to help their cause.
If you would like to show your support for Sub Club then you can donate any amount of money at the crowdfunder page. It is also possible to donate tiered amounts which will result in receiving matched gifts that range from T-Shirts, being added to a supporter’s wall inside the club, and even becoming a Lifetime Member.
More info on Sub Club
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