Page 18 - Shapemag Issue 4

SHAPEMAG The Big Question

THE BIG QUESTION

It’s All A Land Of Confusion At The Moment But

Who Will Be Able To Host Gigs Once It All Starts?

We were all set to get back on the Gig band- a venue specifically designed for live per-
wagon on 1st August and the the Government formances. In our town, I would point my
announced that would not happen just yet. As finger at The Studio for a typical example. But
I’m writing this Oliver Dowden MP is hoping some other venues may also be allowed. My
for just a fortnight delay but I won’t hold my thinking here will be venues such as Hartle-
breath just yet. Anyway, just recently there has pool United Supporters Club where their
been all sorts of confusion on who can hold main room is a purpose built venue for live
gigs when Stage 4 of our Roadmap is finally performances. However, what is not allowed,
implemented. as far as my understanding sees it, is live per-
formances in public bars or lounge bars where
Well, finally, I think I have sifted through the live performances is not the primary function
political minefield and come up with what I of that particular venue.
believe is how things will stand when it finally
happens, so here goes. I take it you are all still scratching your heads
and looking bewildered. So here it is in it’s
Stage 4 of the Government Arts restart basic form.
programme states live performances will be
permitted indoors with Covid Safety Meas- Question: Can pubs hold live entertainment
ures. However, Venues must ensure there indoors once restrictions are eased to stage 4?
is a 3 metre gap between performers and
audience. Performers are to be professional Answer: No, unless you are a grassroots
only (basically, this means no Karaoke’s or music venue or are a venue where live perfor-
Open Mic/Jam nights). Audiences to be social mance are the primary function. However,
distanced and where possible, tickets to be outdoor performances are permitted with
issued to control audience numbers. There are Covid secure safety measures.
a few more rules and guidelines but that is the
very basic set up. Remember this will be when I hope that sheds a good guiding light on the
the next phase is announced again. state of affairs as we stand. Please do bear in
mind that this is simply how I have interpret-
The question here is, what is a meant by a ted the law after an awful lot of research. Do
‘Venue’? Well, I checked out the Music Venues seek advice from your local authorities before
Trust for the answer. We need to look at the planning any performances from 1st August.
wording ‘Grassroots Music Venue’ which is Most of all, make sure you all stay safe.

| 18 www.shapemag.co.uk