KARAOKE CLUBS OF CATALONIA ARE AT RISK OF BANKRUPTCY

The health care crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic risks ruining the leisure industry over Spain. The situation of karaoke clubs turned out to be the most deplorable. In Catalonia, due to the temporary restrictions imposed by the country's authorities, a quarter of all the establishments where everyone could try their hand at being a music performer were closed.

Even over the medium term, this situation leaves entrepreneurs in a state of complete uncertainty. Those who have not yet managed to close their establishments continue to work as if they had a noose around their necks. The representatives of professional organizations demanded that the government adopt an urgent program of action to rescue the entire entertainment sector, otherwise Spain may be left without karaoke bars and clubs.

The Professional Business Association (APEK) stated that the entire industry was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Since 2015, APEK unites all entrepreneurs whose activities are related to the organization of karaoke business. They had about 4 million visitors annually.

Many establishments have remained closed since March. According to the president of the association, Carlos Hurtado, more than 400 companies have lost about 89.1% of their turnover compared with the previous year's performance. Many couldn’t open despite the sanitary measures that were taken.

Hurtado says that his own company has existed for 9 months with zero income, as a result of which he had to cut 80% of the staff. According to the head of APEK, the activities of organizations can and should be immediately restored, provided that all the necessary health protection measures are taken, and perhaps even additional ones are introduced.

In Catalonia alone, there are 72 karaoke clubs, the owners of which have already taken the necessary measures to ensure the safety of staff and guests.

Occupancy was limited; social distance and the use of a disinfectant were the main requirements. Some entrepreneurs went even further and started using special disposable microphone covers and transparent plastic screens on stage.

The association demanded that the government equate the activities of karaoke clubs with cultural shows, since, unlike the latter, the karaoke sector has not yet received any kind of support from the state. The actions of the authorities, according to APEK representatives, were disproportionate and inconsistent. The disappearance of karaoke will mean that 720 thousand local residents will be left without the entertainment they got used to, not to mention the fact that karaoke is the place where many modern music performers, who became famous, began their career. What the next generation of singers will look like depends on the way an entertainment industry is rescued.