Five nightclubs lost per week in Q1 2024

CGA Nielsen has released nightclub statistics for Q1 2024, showing that 67 premises closed in that period, equating to approximately five closures per week.

Of these closures, nearly four on average are independent businesses, totalling 48 independent closures and 19 managed or tenanted establishments.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) sounded the alarm over the decline, saying the figures represented a “concerning trend”, with a 40% decrease in independent nightclubs over the past four years.

In the last year alone, the UK has bid farewell to 81 nightclubs, marking a 10% reduction. Among these closures are 59 independent venues and 22 managed or tenanted establishments.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said the UK had lost just under 10 nightclubs per month, with more than two closures occurring every week since March 2020.

He said the decline was due to a combination of factors, including insufficient support during the pandemic, mounting debt burdens, and soaring operating costs, and called on politicians to intervene to prevent further losses.

"The decimation of our nightclub industry is a national tragedy," said Kill. "Without immediate intervention and meaningful support from policymakers, we risk irreparable damage to our cultural heritage and the fabric of our communities.”

The NTIA is calling for a VAT cut to address this crisis and preserve the UK’s nightlife heritage. It urged policymakers to “recognise the gravity of the situation” and implement targeted support measures to safeguard the future of the night-time economy.