Event Industry Alliance call Government's reopening announcement a "work in progress"

The Event Industry Alliance have issued a statement in response to Taoiseach Micheál Martin's announcement yesterday – which included plans to gradually ease Covid-19 restrictions on live events.

Under the Government's reopening plan, from Monday, September 6, indoor events can take place, operating at 60% of the venue's capacity, for fully-vaccinated attendees. For outdoor events, 70% of the venue's capacity are allowed, once they are fully-vaccinated. For outdoors events featuring a crowd of mixed immunity status, the capacity limit will be 50%, and subject to protective measures like social distancing between groups and face masks.

By October 22, further restrictions will be lifted, including limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events.

In their statement, the Event Industry Alliance acknowledge the easing of Covid-19 restrictions as "a 'work in progress’ and a step in the right direction."

"However 100% capacity for fully vaccinated patrons to attend shows as soon as possible is required for commercial sector to be economically viable, as unlike the funded sector we receive no Arts Council or Tax payer public funding," the statement continues.

"The EIA again calls on Minister Catherine Martin and Government for meaningful engagement to ensure vital business and employee scaffolding supports are put in place immediately and will remain into 2022 to help allow the industry fully recover.

"We would like to thank Minister Catherine Martin, her department for all their hard work, and the Irish people and the media for their continued support over the last 18 months. We will continue our campaign for a safe full reopening and for proper scaffolding supports to be put in place for the wider event sector. Thank you."