09.12.2021: UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin has responded to yesterday’s announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the NHS Covid pass or a negative lateral flow test will be mandatory in nightclubs and other large venues from Wednesday 15 December.
UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said:
“After an awful 18 months, the music industry has been desperate to recover – so the tightening of restrictions brings an unwelcome wave of uncertainty to the sector.
“It’s vital that the music industry stays open for business and people can carry on working as we recover from the devastating impact of Covid.
“We need to avoid at all costs a return to social distancing restrictions, which would make many concerts and live events unviable and risk sending some businesses to the wall.
“Since reopening in July, the music industry has gone above and beyond in reducing the risk of transmission and ensuring events can take place safely – any further restrictions placed on our industry would be unnecessary and damaging.
“The increased uncertainty also means the Government should immediately cancel its planned hike in VAT on hospitality from 12.5% to 20%. This tax rise will hit businesses and consumers, and with our fragile recovery already under threat this would be the worst time to increase taxes.
“The Government should ditch that exorbitant rise and help businesses determined to play their part in the economic recovery.”
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