We don’t need to point out just how tough this last year has been on the hospitality industry, the amount of still active fundraisers is a testament to this. A year on from the beginning of this whole situation and at last there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. The news that seemed like it was never going to come was finally delivered on Monday past. As a result of the enhanced vaccination process, Prime Minister Boris Johnson flanked by members of his cabinet delivered his plans to “lead” the UK out of lockdown and out of this pandemic.
The phased approach to “reopening” the country would begin with schools and care home visits in early March. Later next month further easing would take place “with larger groups of up to six people or two households allowed to gather in parks and gardens.”
The nightlife industry will again be breathing a collective sigh of relief when phase two will also see outdoor pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers from April 12 at the earliest. More good news will come just in time for summer with indoor hospitality and entertainment venues to open their doors a month later. With the effort that some of the UK’s music venues have already put into their outdoor offerings as soon as Easter rolls around there could be some tasty bank holiday parties possible. The main takeaway at this stage is that indoor events will be capped at 1,000 people and 4,000 for outdoor events or 50%.
A month later is the date that a lot of clubbers, businesses, and artists are pinning their hopes on. June 21 could see the beginning of the third summer of love when all social limits will be lifted and clubs and large events and festivals will be allowed to resume. This news might sound like all our prayers have been answered but this route to happiness is only possible on the condition that the current situation stays on course. So, although the end may be in sight it is important to think of the bigger picture and focus on bringing back clubbing like before and prevent yet another lockdown.
