Government is planning ‘SEAT out to help out’ plan to get theatres and stadiums open

Ministers are looking at plans to encourage crowds back into theatres and sports grounds and are considering a ‘seat out to help out’ scheme. 

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that mass indoor events are now in his sights and, along with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is looking to encourage crowds back into large venues. 

The Eat Out To Help Out scheme could be reformed into ‘Seat Out To Help Out’, with one idea seeing discounted meals on Mondays for those with a ticket that day, The Sunday Times reported. 

November 1 is the first day social distancing measures could be lifted, according to the Government’s roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. 

Accelerated plans and on-the-day coronavirus tests mean theatres and sports stadiums could reopen within weeks without social distancing measures. 

A source told the Sunday Times that there have been meetings this week and Mr Johnson is keen on making rapid progress. They added that rapid testing will get audiences back. 

It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock was planning an astonishing rise in the number of Covid-19 tests carried out, in what has been dubbed ‘Operation Moonshot’. 

An increase in testing is hoped to get the economy back on track as Mr Hancock was said to be preparing an ambition to test four million people a day. 

Writing in today’s Mail on Sunday, Mr Dowden said that innovation was key to getting audiences back into theatres. 

He said advances were being made in quick turnaround testing, such as saliva tests being trialled by Southampton University, which means on-the-day coronavirus tests could mean those who test negative could visit the theatre that evening. 

Other ways could include technology which improves ventilation in venues, he added.  

Those attending theatres and stadiums could be tested in advance and then chased up a few days after the event. 

Theatres were allowed to open from August 15 with strict social distancing measures in place. 

This has reduced the capacity and many owners say it is not financially viable to run shows. They advise it should be between 70 and 80 per cent capacity. 

The Eat Out To Help Out scheme was launched by Rishi Sunak and saw the government pay 50% of the bill up to £10 per head at participating restaurants from Monday to Wednesday in a bid to boost the hospitality industry and keep jobs. 

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who owns eight West End venues and has produced hits such as Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera and Hamilton, made 200 staff redundant last month.  

Boris Johnson pledged £1.57 billion to keep the arts sector afloat but Sir Cameron, together with his long-time collaborator Andrew Lloyd Webber, urged the Government to do more.

On August 29, 2,524 socially-distanced supporters made their way to Brighton’s Amex Stadium for a friendly against Chelsea. 

Fans were made to keep a seat between them in the stadium with a capacity for 30,666 fans. 

There were plenty of hand sanitation points on the way to the ground and face coverings were required as fans queued to get in, but not when seated. 

They completed medical questionnaires ahead of the game and consented to the track and trace scheme.  

However, large sports venues need to be at 60 per cent capacity for it to be financially viable.