Government Shuts Door on Nightclubs

Without urgent action 2021 will see the ‘extinction’ of nightclubs, warn the Night Time Industries Association. The failure so far of the UK Government to recognise the devastating impact of their actions on this sector is a tragedy for UK Culture.

Nightclubs and late-night venues have been closed since March, with many suggesting they will not survive past the end of February.  The facts stand that Nightclubs/Late Night Venues have been given limited, and in many cases hugely disproportionate support outside of Furlough for the year, they have been closed and suffered extreme financial hardship for over 11 months, with many seeing the end of February as the last stand for their future.

As nightclubs and late-night venues remain shut due to Government restrictions, Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), points to several factors that will cause many nightclubs and late-night venues to go out of business in 2021, in the absence of Government support:

• A lack of appropriate financial support for the sector from the Government
• Proposed changes to planning laws that would allow landlords to convert venues into housing
• The inability for venues to access finance from financial institutions
• Lack of transparent exit strategy for reopening of the sector in line with the Government vaccination rollout

A recent survey of over 100 Nightclubs has shown some catastrophic results:

• 88% of Nightclubs within the UK in Over 2 Months Rent Arrears with
• 50% Over 3 Months Rent Arrears moving into another Quarter at the start of January. 
• 81% of Nightclubs within the UK will not survive past February without further support from the Government.
• 86% of Nightclubs have made redundancies with over 65% making over 60% of the workforce redundant before the end of 2020.
• 43% of Nightclubs surveyed had not received any Grant support from Government 
• Average Rateable Value for a Nightclubs & Late Venues – £105,986

Hans Hess, Egg, London: “The importance of Nightlife is a pivotal part for all generations and the culture of the UK but the government is not giving enough to support our venues, brands and promoters. People want to see the big DJs, Acts, the next to non-lighting, sound systems, people go out to socialise with their friends and families, to dance, let off steam, celebrations that all lead to helping our society cope with everyday struggles, mental health +more.”  “The nightlife industry isn’t just about booking the biggest artists though, it’s about putting on shows to bring joy and happiness to all countless generations.”

“That’s why we feel we need to pressure the government because when things go back to normal there won’t be any brands, venues or promoters left to help us through the times to lift the spirits of our nation without support from the government. Because  one thing  for sure when we do open people won’t be able to wait to go and dance and socialise with friends and family.” “So Boris Johnson come on do the right thing and show your commitment to help the nightlife industry”

Mike Grieve MD SubClub, Glasgow: “The club and electronic music scene in Glasgow is amongst the most developed anywhere in Europe with a very well established network of promoters and clubs and a solid heritage going right back to the mid-80s. In the case of the Sub Club we have been consistently on the cutting edge since 1987. The cultural importance of that heritage to the city, and to Scotland more broadly, can hardly be overstated as all forms of arts and culture have been influenced over the decades, leading to a steady influx of young people from all round the world to study, work, live life and very often set up home in Glasgow.”

For more info head to ntia.co.uk