Nightlife sector criticises ‘inadequate’ Covid response by Govt
A group representing workers in the nightlife sector has criticised the Government’s response to its reopening, warning that a continued shutdown will result in an upsurge of unregulated events.
In a letter to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Arts, the ‘Give Us the Night’ campaign said its industry is the only remaining one without any date for return.
It described the Government’s handling as inadequate, inflexible and lacking a basic understanding of how the industry works
It is also calling on the Government to allow for non-socially distanced trial events to be held in September, regardless of Covid case numbers.
The group urged that a resumption for all live events, including in
nightclubs, should happen no later than the beginning of October.
It said a reopening plan for the sector is now “long overdue” and that Ireland is the only European country that has made no concrete plans for the return of its events industry.
The campaign said its industry has been shut for 17 months, and many venues and nightclubs have had to permanently close.
It said that despite bars and restaurants reopening, no meaningful consideration has been given to nightclubs or music events nor has any clear update been given.
It is also calling for a greater use of free Covid testing at events.
Article Source – Nightlife sector criticises ‘inadequate’ Covid response by Govt – RTE – Conor Hunt
