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Sitting and wearing a mask: concerts and theater performances could take place again in Switzerland from October 1. Image: keystone
“There are still drastic restrictions” – this is how the events industry reacts to Berset’s requirements
On Wednesday, the Federal Council released more details on the requirements for major events. But there is still a long way to go in the industry. Four voices of those affected.
As of October 1, events with more than 1000 people are allowed again. However, these must be approved by the cantons. On Wednesday, the Federal Council announced more details about the requirements for large events.
A protection concept and risk analysis must be presented to the respective canton for each event. Spectators must be seated, capacity limits apply in stadiums, the flow of people must be clearly regulated, and a mask is required for ice hockey and soccer matches. In addition, the alcohol ration must be limited so that “compliance with the concept of protection is not jeopardized,” Federal Councilor Alain Berset said at the press conference.
However, the federal government cannot promise the organizers absolute planning security. If the epidemiological situation worsens, the cantons can revoke a license at any time. There is no compensation for the organizers.
“The mood will not be the same”
The CEO of the Berner Young BoysWanja Greuel was “very pleased” with the Federal Council’s decision in response to a request from Watson. “Fans can also cheer on the team with a mask,” he says. Understand the strict requirements and audience restrictions. Of course, the mood will not be the same as in recent years. “The community experience in Wankdorf will be different in the future than in the past.” We call on all soccer fans to adhere to the federal and cantonal government requirements.
Do the guidelines for alcohol consumption also apply in front of the stadium? These and many other questions need to be clarified in the coming days and weeks. “Now we are working hard to adapt the security concept to the new framework conditions”, says Greuel. However, detailed information cannot be provided yet.
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Patrick Lengwiler, CEO of, is more critical EV train. “In general, there are drastic restrictions that will lead to serious financial losses,” he wrote in a press release. The Federal Council’s decision means that of the nearly 6,000 subscribers, only 3,800 places may be available. In the coming days they will deal intensively with how the allocation of places can be sensibly regulated. “We don’t like that and the result won’t satisfy anyone, because there won’t be the best solution, just the least bad.”
The only positive for him is that after months of uncertainty and planning uncertainty, it is now at least known under what conditions the 2020/21 season will begin in October.
It sounds a bit more hopeful from Zurich: “We see light at the end of the tunnel,” says the Zurich man. Philipp Musshafen, head of the Hallenstadion. The ZSC Lions’ first home game is scheduled for October 2. “Of course we still have a lot of work to do before then.” A protection concept and risk analysis will be developed together with the organizers. Interaction with authorities is not yet clear, for example, who is the contact person for permits is not yet known. Still, Musshafen sees it positively. “I am of the opinion that culture and sporting events are necessary in our society, especially now that the days are getting darker and autumn is approaching.”
Things keep looking bleak for cultural events
Christoph Bill, President of the Swiss Professional Association, sees things less optimistic Organizer of concerts, shows and festivals (SMPA). “The damage has already been done,” he says. “On September 2 we learned how things will continue from October 1. That is an absolute minimum turnaround time for major events. “The bill requires that a short-term withdrawal of approval by the cantons is not possible or that the public sector must also secure a canceled event.” The effort it increases enormously in all phases, especially on site. There is also the economic risk due to the uncertainty about whether there will be enough guests in this situation, “said Bill.
Attendees at the Swiss Mountain Roadshow festival in Steffisburg are waiting to be admitted. Image: keystone
Also the president of the Swiss Federation Technical professions on stages and events., Jörg Gantenbein, paints a grim picture for the industry. The situation will remain difficult as long as security is not planned, he says.
The cantons have the right to cancel an event on short notice. That is a huge factor of uncertainty. Under these conditions, large-scale cultural events are not yet possible. “For him and his colleagues, this means that there will be much less work at least until the end of the year. It is not clear whether the situation will ease from 2021. Gantenbein says several major events that should have taken place next summer have already been canceled. “Our industry is threatened with another wave of layoffs, some already on the streets.”
