The government in Wales is going to allow live music events to return with immediate effect, but only if they open with restrictions such as social distancing, one-way systems and people limited groups of six people.

Although this is a step in the right direction for the music scene in Wales, not all venues will be able to implement the safety restrictions and also open at an attendance capacity that is financially profitable.

The groups of six can all be from different households, which is good news for those wishing to meet with friends, as in the past some government restrictions have limited groups to a maximum of six only if they all live at the same address.

Concert halls and other large venues in Wales that have a seated audience will be in the best position to open with minimal impact from implementing the government’s restrictions.

In relation to the restriction and smaller venues, chief executive of UK Hospitality, Kate Nichols told the BBC: “for many small venues it will simply be impossible for them to manage this with social distancing in place.”

She continued: “Until we get that final bit of the jigsaw—the social distancing lifted—to be able to allow these businesses to return to profitability, then we’re not at the end of the road yet for the sector.”

Although some indoor venues might struggle, this news is good for Welsh festivals such as Green Man, but the lack of a government-backed insurance scheme puts those events at risk if there is an unexpected change that forces them to cancel at short notice.

Elsewhere in the UK, socially distanced gigs and concerts are currently allowed in England and Scotland, but still not in Northern Ireland.

H/T: BBC News