Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Social Distancing Restrictions: Support for the Night-Time Economy — [Stewart Hosie in the Chair]

08 June 2021 · 1 other contributor · 4,182 words

Opened by Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab Brighton, Kemptown

Responding minister: Paul Scully

EconomyEmploymentBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Lloyd Russell-Moyle raised concerns about social distancing restrictions: support for the night-time economy — [stewart hosie in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about uncertainty in social distancing restrictions impacting the night-time economy
  • A survey found 90% of night-time businesses fear delayed full reopening threatens survival
  • Calls for clear guidelines and financial support for businesses facing insolvency when rent moratoriums end

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to provide clear guidelines on social distancing measures, offer financial support for businesses facing insolvency when rent moratoriums end, negotiate with landlords to ensure fair burden sharing, match the Welsh and Scottish Governments' commitment to business relief, delay VAT increases for cultural venues, and follow scientific advice to allow reopening with effective mitigations such as testing and vaccines.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab Brighton, Kemptown

I am concerned about the uncertainty surrounding social distancing restrictions and their impact on the night-time economy. The Prime Minister's inconsistent messaging has led to businesses making financial commitments based on reopening plans that may change without notice. A survey by the Night Time Industries Association found that 90% of businesses fear a delay in full reopening would threaten their survival, with many already placing orders for stock and hiring staff. Additionally, there is an urgent need to address job losses and skill shortages within the industry, including door security personnel who have left due to uncertain conditions.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Congratulates the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown on bringing the matter forward and highlights uncertainty for workers in his constituency who have been on furlough, off furlough, and are now unsure of their job futures. Asks the Minister about consideration given to businesses that have furloughed staff and taken them off with an option to open, only to find themselves unable to put them back on furlough.

Government Response

Paul Scully

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hosie. I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown on securing today's important debate. The Minister recognises the huge disruptions that the covid-19 pandemic has caused to people's lives and acknowledges the cultural, economic, and wellbeing contributions of the night-time economy. He highlights the gradual steps taken in the Prime Minister's road map to reopen the sector safely, driven by data rather than dates. The Government aims to restore public confidence and kick-start recovery for the industry while ensuring that the decision will be made based on caseload, case rates, vaccination effects, hospitalisations, and NHS pressure. He addresses staffing shortages due to furlough preferences, worker departures, and job changes. On financial support, he discusses the challenges of balancing tenants' needs with landlords' rights during rent moratorium negotiations. The Minister emphasizes ongoing work on a hospitality strategy focusing on reopening, recovery, resilience, skills development, and sustainability. He assures continued cautious approach to restrictions until full capacity can be safely achieved by 21 June, depending on data reviews.

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