The reason i have contacted Change.org is because i am a singer, full time and this covid period is killing me and thousands of other entertainers across the country.

Boris has proposed the latest guidelines, where performances can be performed indoors from August 1st. The thing is these new guidelines point to returning Theatres, Operas and other Music related venues, not concert halls of public houses.
Why? What difference is there between a Theatre and a Workingman's Club?

August 1st has been pointed out as the return for these venues, then nothing until October, where sporting arenas can reopen to fans attending and then finally in November, get things back to normal. Normal? Not in our world it's not Normal..

Let's take Manchester United, a stadium that holds 78'000 people. Say a quarter of fans are allowed back in, that's 19,500 people. So that is 19,500 people making their way to Old Trafford via Train, Tram, Bus, Taxi, Car or on foot. Once at the stadium, 19,500 fans will make their way through turnstiles, not 19,500 turnstiles, about 50. That works out at 390 people through each turnstile. Yet a singer cannot perform from a stage 20/30ft away from anyone.

I am currently debating whether to claim UC, i would receive £409pm, yet when i am at work, i earn £550 a week minimum, that is £2200 per month. I am getting myself into more debt each month. My savings have helped me survive.

July 17th was a big kick in the teeth for us entertainers. Boris lead us to believe we were back, with his half arsed message he sent out. It was only when the official statement was put out, our world came crashing down with the reality that we couldn't go back to work and support our families.

We entertainers have lost care homes, pubs, clubs, hotels, sporting clubs and functions. We feel like we've had our throat slashed to spite our stomach.

Can you answer this, what is the difference between a "Land or building where the primary use is not the performance of live music". What is a concert room in a club for?

The last few months this country has seen multiple protests of thousands upon thousands of people on the streets of London. Thousands of football fans are celebrating in Liverpool and Leeds. Yet a singer cannot perform in a venue to 50/100 people because the loud music makes people talk louder. What do you think is going to happen in October when Manchester United play Liverpool, Rangers play Celtic, Chelsea play Spurs and so on. Are those fans expected to remain quiet? You do know there is no chance of that happening, don't you?

So I ask you to put or case, the entertainers case, to those in charge of this country and this mess. We cannot go on losing hope each week, as it is causing much mental health problems. Granted we realise pubs are probably a no go, but social clubs, there is a way it can happen. Like Bowling Halls, Cinemas, Casino's Swimming Pools and Gyms.

Regards

Richie (Joe Black)