This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition The government to allow the opening of nightclubs.
We want the government to change its decision and allow nightclubs across the UK to reopen. This is because people rely on these facilities as an escape as such to help cope mentally.
More details
Shutting clubs and entertainment venues limits and could further cause mental health issues which could affect people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Government responded
This response was given on 6 October 2020
Nightclubs are an important part of young people’s lives, but it is vital to control the spread of COVID-19. The Government is working to allow nightclubs to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.
Read the response in full
The Government understands how important nightclubs are to the health and wellbeing of many young people in particular. They provide space for young people to socialise, but they also provide valuable jobs and are a key contributor to the UK economy.
There are approximately 1400 nightclubs in the UK, employing around 45,000 people, 72% of whom are under the age of 25. Nightclubs are also an important part of domestic tourism, with 10% bar visits and 9% club visits forming part of a city break. In 2019 nightclubs generated income of around £3bn.
However, following the scientific advice, it is vital that the Government does all it can to control the spread of COVID-19, and the nature of nightclubs means that they present a particular risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is primarily because the nightclub experience involves large numbers of people gathering in close proximity to each other, with activities such as loud music and dancing further increasing the risk of transmission.
The Government is working closely with nightclub owners to consider how the risks of COVID-19 transmission associated with nightclubs can be managed so that they can be allowed to reopen as soon as it is safe for them to do so.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Related activity
MPs to debate social distancing restrictions and support for the night-time economy
MPs will debate social distancing restrictions and support for the night-time economy on Tuesday 8 June in Westminster Hall.
This will be a general debate. General debates allow MPs to debate important issues, however they do not end in a vote nor can they change the law.
The debate will start at 11am and last for half an hour.
Watch the debate: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/02800d5f-faf1-44b4-85d0-865ea55ebaa8
You'll be able to read a transcript of the debate a few hours after it happens: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-06-08
Find out more about how Parliamentary debates work: https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/debates/