The business of private events on social networks has staged a protest: we want answers about what our destiny is

Many representatives of private events have already joined the protest: homeowners, artists, wedding planners, decorators, photographers, DJs, bartenders, show providers, and everyone else involved in private events.

Evaldas Venskutonis, one of the organizers of this initiative, said in his video that the private events business has been closed by quarantine for more than 6 months.

“I have to work because we are representatives of the private events business in Lithuania. We are not asking for money, we are not asking for help, we are not even asking for state support. All that is needed is “We must work.” We can work safely because a negative test for the private participants of the holidays can be the best gift because I am raising three young children who I teach to live not on the benefits, but to earn money for myself, because organizing events is ours and my bread. We have to work, ”he said.

Another creator of the idea, the events manager Dainius Palivonas, assured that private events are safe: “I must work because private events are safe and aware. Private events take place without outsiders and indoors. It’s been a long time for people to communicate live. “

The event manager, Tomas Grigaitis, also addressed the public and pointed out that the responsible authorities do not respond to requests from the event’s commercial representatives.

“It may seem to someone that we are just shouting that we want to work, regardless of the circumstances, and the reality is that we have sent dozens of letters with questions to the responsible authorities and we have not received a response. Plans to work safer on private holidays have long been prepared and submitted, but discussion with us is not allowed.

We have no clarity, no plan to liberalize our business, no established criteria. Both are prohibited. How much, until when will it be banned? Tyla. And we want to know, we want to tell clients that they are waiting, who we are committed to. Would there be much less dissatisfaction if we had the answers, what is our destiny, are there concrete plans, at what stages will restrictions on private events be eased? What are the criteria for when private events will be allowed? 10; twenty; 50 persons?

Although, let’s be honest, an answer to the 100 questions I received was desirable out of understanding and patience. Patience, Karl, after 6 months of patiently waiting in the unknown. Patience and understanding have deadlines. We were patient, now we want clarity, plans and action. For this reason, today we are already shouting loudly ”, wrote T. Grigaitis.

The event director Remigijus Žiogas also joined the protest:

“It just came to our knowledge then crowns numbers through knowledge, all tired. We know how to be careful, we have already learned, we have to come back to life. This is no longer possible. Crown it won’t disappear anywhere. And you need to live.

Already 6 months. private events business closed for quarantine! We must work !!!! Private events are safe and conscientious, as we have demonstrated during the 2020 season. We are responsible for the health of ourselves, our clients and each participant in the celebration. It is time to communicate live, as all the progressive countries of the world are doing! ”- a well-known event host posted on Facebook.

Wedding photographer Ana Rosso has been out of work for half a year: “I have to work! We must work! Many of us, but no one thinks of us. In the summer, we win a year ahead, and if we don’t let ourselves work this summer, most of us just won’t survive! We don’t want profit! We want our work! “

Speakers were joined by interpreter Stanislav Stavickis-Stano, who addressed the audience half jokingly, half seriously.

“In 1999, I acquired a specialty at the Klaipėda dolphinarium. I learned how to kick the ball into the basket, jump the double arc, flatten the fins and get all the spectators to separate. At the end of the show, I can spray everyone with water, I haven’t lost my skills yet.

Seriously, my colleagues and I have not had any events or concerts since September. This is already serious. I say on behalf of myself and my colleagues: we must work. If not, I am running for Klaipeda Dolphinarium, I have not lost my skills and abilities. Please include me in the seal and dolphin program, ”said S. Stavickis-Stano in the video.

Allow events to be considered

The government intends to adopt a set of new exemptions for businesses. Releases are pledged gradually through May 3, starting Monday.

Health Minister Arūnas Dulkys said on Wednesday that the opening would affect many currently restricted areas of activity: restaurants and catering establishments, closed shops, sports, cultural, sporting establishments or other events.

According to him, it is considered to allow events in closed and open spaces with a maximum of 50 people present. However, A. Dulkys did not mention dates of when and what type of business could be opened.

The Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys said that at the same time a decision is made on the entire range of activities, without excluding one, this will allow the cultural sector to breathe.

“This is a step towards the safe opening of practically the entire sector, and then it will depend on the situation and the opportunities,” says S. Kairys.

Ingrida Šimonytė added that these are camera-sized events. According to the Prime Minister, the resumption of work on cultural and sporting events will depend on the organizers themselves, when they will be able to plan new events.

“A decision on cultural or sporting events has still been made, but here it will be up to the organizers of such events when they will think about starting such events. Although the regulations will come into force on Monday, the regulations will depend more on the organizers themselves, ”said I. Šimonytė.