'Limbo land' for Black Country nightclub owners as uncertainty continues
Nightclub owners are expecting to open their doors on June 21 – but do not yet know if restrictions are going to be placed upon them.
Unlike bars and restaurants, nightclubs have been unable to open since March last year and although the Government has targeted June 21 for the final stage of its lifting of the Covid lockdown, it has given “no guidance” on how nightclubs will be permitted to trade.
Michael Ansell, owner of The Planet Nightclub in Westbury Street, Wolverhampton, said he is “confident” that he will be able to reopen but does not believe it will be “business as usual”.
“I can’t imagine the Government will say ‘crack on’ with no restrictions,” said Mr Ansell, 40.
“No guidance has come through. I have contacted the police and they said ‘you will find out when we do’. The local authority has not been given any information – no one knows.”
Mr Ansell, who made nine staff redundant in September last year when the furlough period was expected to end, said he is £200,000 in debt and pays £1,160 per week in rent.
“I have given my landlord £77,000 but I have had no income - it is not his fault,” said Mr Ansell who has worked at the club for 15 years.
“I think live events have been hit hardest - our business is about socialising not social distancing. I am in limbo-land.”
Mr Ansell said that because the Government only gives one week’s notice of the green light to commence trading, he is dubious about buying stock and taking on the staff he would need.
But he is excited at the prospect of opening the club again and paid tribute to his patrons who raised £17,000 to help keep The Planet going. “They are amazing, caring and don’t want to see the place disappear,” he said.
Shaun Keasey, owner of Gorgeous Nightclub in School Street, Wolverhampton, said he is “never confident of anything until it happens”.
“In an ideal world our business will reopen on June 21 with no restrictions,” said Mr Keasey, 51. “Do I think that will happen? No. I am trying to anticipate everything because I want the business open.”
Mr Keasey said this included having to ask patrons for proof of a negative test or their receipt of one or two vaccines at the door, having to use masks on the dance-floor and having to reduce capacity.
He added: “We cannot remain locked down forever. We can’t live half lives – we have to get back to normal. I am a West Bromwich Albion fan and last week I attended a match. When they all started to sing it brought a tear to me eye.
“When we open our doors and the first song is played and people start dancing it will be emotional.”
