Question reference: S6W-01497
- Date lodged: 14 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Kate Forbes on 4 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the COVID-19 guidance for nightclubs under the new Level 0 framework and, in light of them being unable to reopen on 19 July 2021, what additional support it will offer to (a) these businesses, (b) staff and (c) freelance performers.
Answer
We do not underestimate the severe impact the pandemic is having on the night-time sector and restrictions will not be kept in place a day longer than necessary. As the First Minister made clear on 13 July, a gradual approach to the lifting of restrictions gives the best chance of sustainability and will help build people’s confidence to return to their normal lives and support these businesses.
We have previously made additional funding of up to £750 per week available to nightclubs depending on their Rateable Value. We regularly engage with the night time industry. Guidance for the night time economy will be developed in partnership with the industry in line with the decisions on moving beyond level 0 and taking account of the baseline measures which will be in place. We are however, at this time, unable to commit to further funding for businesses or their employees including those in the night time economy due to a lack of further consequentials from the UK Government.
We continue to urge the UK Government to extend both the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to support both workers and the self-employed impacted by the ongoing influence of COVID-19 the economy .