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The nightclub industry has suffered from yet another COVID-19 blow after industry leaders announced there is a shortage of bouncers manning the doors, Sky News reports. The sector was hit with another setback only a few months ago when the Prime Minister opted to delay England’s so-called ‘Freedom Day’ from June 21 to July 19 amid a surge in Delta variant coronavirus cases.
But this new blow is believed to be induced by a combination of Covid and Britain’s departure from the European Union.
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said last month around one in five hospitality businesses had closed or reduced operating hours due to a shortage of security staff.
But Sky News claims the situation has “deteriorated further” after demand has continued to soar from customers following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
Peter Marks, chief executive at Rekom UK, said the industry’s problems have been “building slowly” but have now “become so much worse since the pandemic”.
Mr Marks, who oversees clubs including Pryzm and Atik, added: “It’s been a real struggle at times but we’ve fortunately often been able to push back with security agencies to find the teams we need just in time.
“But even then, on one or two occasions we’ve had to limit numbers into venues because of security levels.
“We are in a particularly strong position though as we can agree to take on staff in larger numbers – this is particularly hitting independent clubs hard.”
Following the bouncer shortage, Sky News reports Mr Marks said the cost for acquiring staff has “gone up by around 15 percent” as firms balance rising energy prices and rebounding VAT rates.
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“Brexit hasn’t helped either, but it is far from the only factor at play here.
“There are steps the Government can take to ease the problem, whether that be funding training initiatives, streamlining new training requirements, or tackling shortages through legislation – and I would also like to see them revisit the issue of temporary visas to assuage the crisis.”
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