COVID-19 impacts Columbia tourism, nightlife
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting tourism and the economy in Columbia as a stay-at-home order remains in effect, according to local tourism officials.
Columbia's nightlife has been affected as places like music venues, movie theaters and bars have been ordered to close.
The Blue Note and Rose Music Hall have been shut down since March 11.
Matt Gerding, President of FPC Live and co-owner of The Blue Note and Rose Music Hall said 35 employees between both venues are currently out of work and may be seeking unemployment.
"Without the venues generating any income, it's tough to employ security, staff, bartenders and folks that that rely on the concerts for further income," Gerding said.
Gov. Mike Parson said it may be months before concert venues open back up.
"I don't know when we're going to see concerts back up you know I hope sometime in the near future, but the reality of it is, you know, I don't think that's a priority right now for the state of Missouri, and we hope this summer things change, we hope," Governor Parson said. "A couple more months we'll be able to talk about those signs, but right now I don't think that's probably on the priority of list to be dealing with."
According to Megan McConachie, the strategic communications manager for the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city is losing a lot of money.
"I can’t speak to a specific amount of revenue lost for entertainment businesses but it is definitely a large hit on the tourism industry locally," McConachie said.
Gerding said they are still in the process of canceling and postponing shows while also refunding tickets to fans.
"Honestly, it's been a really collaborative effort across the board the booking agents and artists and the promoters and venues are all kind of marching in the same direction and trying to do what's in the best interest of public safety," Gerding said.
McConachie says its more than just the music venues that miss out on making money when concerts come to a hault.
"With music venues both large and small closed for concerts, there are definitely dozens of events that we’re missing out on in terms of attracting visitors," McConachie said. "Those visitors patronize those venues but they also spend the night in our hotels, dine in our restaurants and shop in our stores."
Gerding said he hopes they will be able to hold concerts again by June but they may try to stop accepting cash completely and possibly start taking employees' temperature before each shift.
"We're hopeful obviously that we can get our doors open as soon as possible and get back to work, selling beer and concert sick concert tickets," Gerding said.
