Third of nightclubs shut in three years

Nearly a third of UK nightclubs have closed in the three years to June 2023, with independent businesses hit the hardest.

Trade body the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) cited CGA Nielsen figures that revealed the industry had lost 31% of its nightclubs from June 2020 to June 2023.

In the 12 months to June this year, the sector saw a decline of 12% to 873 nightclubs.

Independent nightclubs were the most affected, with 35% closing since 2020. In the past year, more than 100 independent nightclubs shut permanently.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, said the figures were “extremely alarming, and if taken back to 2019 show an even more dramatic picture for these businesses, with losses nearer 40%”.

The NTIA noted that businesses have faced a ‘persistent escalation’ of operational costs, as well as rising expenses, including rent, utilities, labour and maintenance.

The trade body is calling on policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives to support nightclub owners.

The NTIA has urged governments to consider tailored financial relief, regulatory flexibility, and other supportive measures to alleviate the pressures faced by the nightclub sector.

“These businesses are facing some critical challenges, with many not knowing whether they will survive over the coming months,” Kill continued.

“We have constantly highlighted to the government the concerns around these businesses, particularly independent venues. Without further support we may lose many more of these businesses before the end of the year.”

A third of nightclubs in the UK shut for good in 2022, the NTIA revealed.