Hug and Pint venue launches hardship fund as it falls victim to COVID-19 crisis

A popular Glasgow music venue has launched a hardship fund after being forced to close amid the developing virus crisis.

The Hug and Pint bar-venue on Great Western Road will close from Tuesday March 17, until further notice.

In the meantime, the venue has launched a hardship fund via a crowdfunding page to support affected staff.

A hardship fund will support staff affected by the closure

A target of £30,000 has been set.

A statement talks about having to "safeguard and protect" the venue.

Small bars and clubs are not yet subject to closures amid the developing response to the outbreak.

Falling

But attendances have been falling since the crisis blew up earlier this month.

Several gigs have been cancelled and income was starting to dry up.

An official statement says the decision affects all currently listed shows.

The Hug and Pint is closed until further notice.

It reads: "As always, the safety and health of staff, customers, artists and all others is of the utmost importance.

"However, this incredibly difficult decision has not been made lightly, and our focus now needs to be on protecting the future of the venue and doing our best to ensure staff welfare.

“With this in mind, we will set up a hardship fund for staff to support them while the venue is closed.

"All funds raised on this page will be used to support staff financially while trying to safeguard and protect the future of the venue."

'This incredibly difficult decision has not been made lightly, and our focus now needs to be on protecting the future of the venue and doing our best to ensure staff welfare'

Hug and Pint

The venue is encouraging "everyone in the community who is able and willing to show their support - and wants to play a part in safeguarding the future of The Hug and Pint - to donate generously to the fund".

The venue says in return, donations will be rewarded with Hug and Pint-related items and other incentives for larger donations.

This will include Hug and Pint merchandise, limited edition posters, concert packages and other unique items. Please visit the official fundraising page for full details.

Any updates and details on potential re-opening will be made via Hug and Pint socials/website.

* You can find the crowdfunding page here.