Music / coronavirus
Bristol music venues fear Johnson has ‘signed the death warrant’ for their industry
The ongoing coronavirus has seen several Bristol venues already reacting and taking precautions, with the Cube Microplex in Kingsdown and LeftBank on Cheltenham Road closing their doors, and Spike Island cancelling all upcoming events.
In a statement, The Louisiana said that prime minister Boris Johnson “has just signed the death warrant for the entire music and pub industry in the UK by not ordering them to shut down (which would trigger some insurance payments, hitting his mates in the city hard) but by urging them to ‘do the right thing’ and shut down voluntarily, essentially sparking a witch hunt against those that don’t.
………………………………
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 relies on your support to fund our independent journalism and social impact projects. Become a member and enjoy exclusive perks from just £5 per month.
………………………………
“This means those entire industries will have no financial help, no guidance from government and have now been made a scapegoat. This was the worst case scenario.”
Live music in the Exchange bar – photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/exchangebristol
Exchange also took to social media: “Just so you guys are fully aware of what has just happened, our Prime Minister has advised that people should not attend bars / clubs / pubs, but hasn’t outright banned it.
“Most venues’ insurance only comes into effect after a ban. A clear message has just been sent out that insurance companies are more important than culture and the night time economy.”
Musicians across the country are also struggling to come to terms with the news.
Josh Clowes from Bristol trio Last Hyena saying: “The revenue stream for venues is the custom at the bar and the ticket sales. Doesn’t help that the government has advised people not to even wander down the pub.
“Most musicians are already on the cusp of being financially stable. For many artists now this could be make or break, sadly the latter is more realistic.”
A petition has been widely circulated calling on the government to order the closure of entertainment venues for their own protection.
Main photo from The Louisiana’s official website
Read more: Coronavirus live updates as businesses make cost-cutting measures to survive
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
