Musicians say reintroduction of restrictions in winter would be “detrimental” ahead of clubs reopening

They said any restrictions which reduce the confidence in socialising would have a "detrimental effect" to the industry.

The Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI) have said that the reintroduction of Covid-19 restrictions in winter would be "detrimental" ahead of nightclubs reopening on 22 October. With the industry set for a full reopening in just under two weeks, they are appealing to the Taoiseach and the Government not to reimpose lockdown restrictions over the coming months It comes as Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said last week that winter lockdown measures should remain on the table incase Covid-19 cases begin to rise again. Donnelly said that the need to reintroduce measures would be unlikely, however, he added that it "cannot be fully ruled out". "In recent days, speculation and remarks around the possible reintroduction of certain restrictions over the winter period bring a fresh air of uncertainty into a sector known for its precariousness and currently dealing with a severe lack of confidence,” MEAI said in a letter to the Government on Sunday. "The music and entertainment industry as well as being an independent sector in its own right, is also heavily dependent on other sectors such as hospitality, pubs and the entire social sector," the letter continued. They said that any restrictions which reduce "the confidence in socialising or prohibits attendances to a favourable capacity" would have a "detrimental effect" to the industry. MEAI added that the industry is already suffering from approximately 20% reduction in the workforce, with up to 50% finding employment in other sectors. The group said that possible closures during the Autumn/Winter period and into early 2022 could have a "more devastating effect" than the previous 18 months during the pandemic.