The Meetings Industry Association chief executive Jane Longhurst
The Meetings Industry Association says it has received
confirmation from the UK government that business meetings and events for up to
30 delegates can still take place despite the second national lockdown that has
come into force in England today.
Jane Longhurst, chief executive of The Meetings Industry
Association, said: “Last night we received confirmation from the Department of
Culture Media & Sport that business meetings and events may take place for
up to a total of 30 people, if social distancing can be maintained and the
venue can demonstrate it has followed the guidance and is COVID-Secure.
“Event spaces can be used for reasons permitted by law,
including for education and training purposes where ‘reasonably necessary’,”
she said.
“We know that the lockdown guidance is left completely to
event owners’ and venues’ interpretation of what is ‘reasonably necessary’.
However, having received this clarity just hours before lockdown officially
commenced, it is likely to already be totally irrelevant to the majority of
venues."
She said, “The moment the Prime Minister’s announcement was
aired on Saturday evening, bookings were lost, including those that would have
been considered necessary. Most venues are closed and will now remain closed
until 2021. Our focus must now continue to call for dedicated sector support
and a firm re-opening date, so that we can start to re-build for 2021.”
Exemptions for work purposes have caused confusion over what is allowed during lockdown in the wider business travel sector too.