Plan B changes bring joy to club chiefs

NIGHTCLUB bosses are celebrating Boris Johnson’s announcement that all Covid measures introduced to combat the Omicron variant will be relaxed from next week.

Updating MPs, the Prime Minister said that the ‘Plan B’ rules imposed in December will be lifted next Thursday.

This includes scrapping the need for mandatory vaccine certificates for clubs in England, however venues can choose to keep using the scheme on a voluntary basis if they wish.

Kate Hodgkinson, the director of Shieldfield nightclub and creative space Cobalt Studios, said: “We celebrate the announcement – it’s definitely a step in the right direction for the industry.

“It’s been a rollercoaster over the last month. Omicron was a curveball and knocked consumer confidence and our staff didn’t know whether we’d be going into a lockdown or not, so I’m glad we finally have some clarity.

“I’ve been working long hours, seven days a week to keep everything going, especially with the rules fluctuating so much”.

The club, on Boyd Stret, was closed over the Christmas period due to Covid-related staffing issues and missed out on “much-needed” New Year’s Eve revenue.

“With measures relaxed we will finally be able to launch our spring-time events calendar and I feel hopeful again,” Ms Hodgkinson continued.

“I hope to welcome lots of people back onto the dancefloor.

“At the moment we are still in a precarious position – the uncertainty of Covid and Brexit means it’s been hard to pin down artists and so we are behind on ticket sales.

“However, I’m sure we will pull through. You could tell that when people came back in September, when we first opened again, that they needed to dance and let loose.”

Zafer Saygilier, from Sayturk Limited, which owns Soho Rooms and several other bars in Newcastle and in Northumberland, was also pleased with the Prime Minister’s announcement.

He said: “As operator of 11 bars and clubs in the North East, I am delighted with the news.

“I am also happy that Boris didn’t shut the industry down due to the threat of Omicron and that as a nation we are learning to live with the virus and manage risk accordingly.

“I have had my frustrations with the Government over the pandemic, however looking back, I believe the Prime Minister and the Chancellor [Rishi Sunak] have managed to save the hospitality industry. Not everyone has made it, but the majority of good companies and jobs have been secured.

“I am grateful for the way they pulled the country out from the dark days.”