In order to limit the resulting economic impact and support Neuchâtel’s nightlife establishments affected in December 2021 by the introduction of new public health measures, the State Council has decided to implement additional targeted financial assistance for this sector. Following consultation with industry associations, support in the form of a non-repayable grant amounting to 1% of annual revenue is being provided to the affected establishments to help them partially cover their fixed costs for the last month of the year.
On December 17 and 20, 2021, in response to the deteriorating public health situation, the federal government and the cantons were forced to introduce new restrictions. Among other measures, the 2G+ rule (recovered or vaccinated, with a negative test) was extended to all nightlife venues, creating difficulties for nightclubs, bars, and “pre-club” standing-room-only bars.
This category of establishments has faced greater obstacles than other sectors in terms of their normal operations and the type of customers they serve. After 344 days of complete closure, their customer traffic has been—and continues to be—severely limited by public health measures, and their ability to develop immediate alternative offerings is restricted.
To specifically support this sector, additional assistance amounting to 1% of annual revenue—up to a maximum of 20,000 francs per applicant— will be granted to compensate for the restrictions imposed during December 2021. This assistance is intended to partially cover fixed costs for December 2021. This measure applies to nightclubs and nightlife establishments with a permanent extended operating hours permit, as well as bars licensed to sell alcohol but without food service (or offering only food prepared by third parties) that are already undergoing a “hardship case” procedure. The establishment’s authorized capacity must exceed 50 seats, and its average revenue for 2018–2019 must exceed 50,000 francs, in accordance with the federal “hardship” ordinance.
The affected businesses will be contacted directly by the Department of Economic Affairs to ensure implementation by the end of January 2022.
The State Council would also like to acknowledge the excellent partnership it maintains with the umbrella organizations, particularly GastroNeuchâtel and the relevant branches of Hôtellerie Suisse and its regional chapters, in order to minimize the impact on Neuchâtel’s economy and its jobs as much as possible.