The Association of Concert Organisers said that many countries had adopted measures to protect the music industry and in particular the organisers of concerts and other events.

Stressing that the survival of individuals and the sector as a whole is at stake, the Association of Concert Organisers said organisers had not been able to reschedule agreed events and were saddled with preparation costs of those that had to be cancelled.

With planning usually taking six to 12 months, they would like to see a time frame put on the gathering ban, so that preparations can get under way.

As for the aid measures, the association would like to be able to issue vouchers for cancelled events instead of refunds and have the state cover social contributions for the self-employed in the sector for the duration of the ban along with a basic monthly income of EUR 700.

The organisers would also like the state to cover the contributions of those staying on open-ended contracts during the ban as well as the unemployment benefit for those made temporarily redundant.

Another proposal involves a two-year rent freeze for venues owned by the state or municipalities and a 50% rent discount a period of 12 months after the ban on public events is lifted.