Published
Mon, Jan 11, 2021, 12:50
- Chaired by Labour MP Jeff Smith, the APPG will publish its findings next month.
A new all-party parliamentary group (APPG) is launching an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on the UK nightlife industry.
Set up in December, the APPG is chaired by Jeff Smith, Labour MP for Manchester Withington, and backed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). The short-term aim is to publish a report in February using evidence from businesses, workers and consumers affected by the wide-scale disruption.
"The night-time sector is hugely important to both the UK economy and our cultural identity—particularly in Greater Manchester," says Smith, a former event manager and DJ. "In the past nine months, the sector has faced enormous challenges, and thousands of bars, nightclubs, and live events businesses are at risk of collapse."
NTIA CEO Michael Kill adds: "We are extremely pleased to have the support of many cross-party parliamentarians, and believe that this group will have a substantial part to play in the regeneration of the night-time economy in the next 12 months."
The APPG is calling for evidence from any affected parties, which you can submit via a survey here.
Photo credit: Dean Machala