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Central London Alliance calls for government financial support to help London’s entertainment and hospitality businesses

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© Étienne Godiard

The Central London Alliance, a group of London businesses including art galleries, music venues, theatres, cinemas and educational facilities is urging the government to provide financial assistance to the sector following the Tier 3 lockdown announcement for London.

With the incoming Tier 3 restrictions, London’s cinemas, concert halls, theatres, museums and galleries along with other leisure venues must close their doors tomorrow.

The impact of the closure will bring further disruption to the arts community that has been struggling to stay financially afloat after months of disruptions and lockdowns throughout 2020.

The government’s announcement for the new Tier 3 restrictions is a blow to the entertainment businesses, retailers and arts venues that serve Londoners and visitors year-round. With the immediate shutdown of this vital economic hub, some businesses may be unable to survive when they need the revenue the most during the busy Christmas season.

Speaking with Film Industry Network, Central London Alliance Director Tony Matharu said, “It is important to stress that the most severely affected sectors in Central London have been imperilled through no fault of their own. Despite considerable efforts to provide safe and secure environments they have thus far been rewarded by changing, inconsistent and incoherent directives and muddled thinking, creating uncertainty, and making it impossible to plan ahead. The thresholds, rationale and processes to move up and down Tiers and the variation in treatment of boundaries remain unclear and are not understood.”

With the rolling uncertainty for businesses, it has become increasingly difficult for venues to plan their events, and with efforts already made to provide a safe working environment, the new restrictions come at the worst possible moment for the arts.

The Central London Alliance called for Sadiq Khan to intervene and provide emergency relief to affected businesses. Speaking about the imminent financial impact to the sector, Matharu said, “Central London is now looking to the Government and the Mayor’s office for strong leadership, rapid and effective support, and a clear strategy to make London the resurgent capital the entire country needs.”

As the entertainment industry continues to navigate the pandemic, the economic impact has been far reaching with no end in sight to local restrictions - creating uncertainty and a loss of business confidence.

Is your entertainment business being affected by London’s Tier 3 lockdown? Share your thoughts with us: @filminetworkUK

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