New data from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has revealed on Wednesday that trading levels for nightlife businesses have been decimated in the first week of the Scottish Government’s controversial ‘vaccine passport’ scheme.
A survey of NTIA members in Scotland revealed that nightclub trade levels have dropped by almost half (46%), with some reporting declines in excess of 60% compared to previous weeks.
There has been a 46% decline in trade for nightclubs which represents lost income of £506,000 per year per venue, on average.
But if this vaccine passport scheme continues compared to pre-vaccine passport levels of trade There will be a 24% decline in trade for pubs and bars would represent lost income of £180,000 on average if this scheme continues compared to pre-vaccine passport levels of trade.
The NTIA also said in addition, venues enforcing the scheme report their expenses to administer the scheme in staffing, equipment, etc, would result in £31,200 per year of additional costs if it continues.
Trade in pubs and bars have dropped by one quarter (24%), despite 90% of these venues implementing measures to take themselves out of remit of the scheme.
The NTIA survey also found that 90% of pubs and bars with late night entertainment offerings have felt forced to remove themselves from the scope of the scheme by implementing measures, such as decommissioning dance floors, reducing opening hours, or cancelling live entertainment, all at significant financial loss.
The negative impact on Scotland’s cultural scene is escalating rapidly, with numerous performances and booked shows now being cancelled due to the severe impact of reduced attendance following the introduction of vaccine passports.
Commenting on the survey, Gavin Stevenson, spokesman for NTIA Scotland said, “It is utterly bewildering that the Scottish Government has completely ignored the warnings from sectoral experts as to the dire consequences of this scheme.”
“It has taken just one week for our concerns around market distortion, unfair competition, discrimination, and the severe economic impact to be proven true, while the huge reduction in Covid-19 cases that happened well before the scheme came into effect demonstrates that the scheme is simply not necessary to reduce cases.”
“We’re calling on the Scottish government to scrap this flawed scheme and work with our sector to explore alternatives that are workable and allow businesses to remain viable.”