26% of UK nightclubs closed in last 5 years

A quarter of all UK nightclubs closed their doors since 2020, according to new data released by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). 

In the US, the recent NIVA State of Live survey showed similar economic struggles for independent venues caused by rising costs and increased competition. Most notably, 64% of surveyed US stages were unprofitable.

In the UK, the late-night sector, which the report defines as nightclubs and traditional late-night bars. contracted 26.4% since March 2020, compared with the 14.2% decrease seen across the wider hospitality sector. 

According to this latest “Night Time Economy Market Monitor,” these losses have increased over the last three months with a net of three venue closures a week.

“We’re witnessing the loss of important social infrastructure from our towns and cities,” said Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA.

“The closure of one in four late-night venues changes the UK’s cultural landscape,” he continued. “Small venues nurture new talent, fuelling the success of globally renowned artists and the creative economy. You don’t get Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, or Oasis without small venues. The collapse of independent venues puts the entire night-time economy at risk.”

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Bruce Houghton is Founder & Editor of Hypebot, Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and founder of Skyline Artists.