4 in 5 UK nightclubs 'won't survive' beyond end of THIS MONTH without government intervention
Worrying news for those of us missing sticky carpets and stale booze
Last updated 5th Feb 2021
More than 80% of UK nightclubs are going to be out of business by the end of this month, unless the government intervenes with more funding.
That is according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). It surveyed over 100 clubs across the country, assessing how the industry has been affected by lockdown so far.
88% of respondents said they were in more than two months of rent arrears.
The research also revealed around two thirds of clubs had made over 60% of their workforces redundant last year.
The Association is now urging the government to step-in and back venues financially.
Suggestions include extending the VAT cut to 5% for another 12 months, deferring nightclubs' tax payments until December and prolonging the Business Rates Holiday until the end of 2021.
'I can't envisage Bristol being the same place'
We have spoken to Marti Burgess, a Lawyer who also owns the Lakota nightclub in Bristol.
When asked about the societal impact of venues being forced to shut their doors forever, she said: "I don't even want to think about that.
"I live in Bristol, we've got a fantastic night-time culture, we've got a brilliant sound-system scene.
"We've got great festivals (such as) St Paul's Carnival, Love Saves The Day.
"I can't envisage Bristol being the same place without all of that. It is what makes Bristol, I think, the best city to live".
'The government shouldn't underestimate how big the night-time economy is'
It's not only Bristol's nightlife that is suffering across our region because of the pandemic.
Last week, Glastonbury Festival was called-off for a second consecutive summer - a major blow to the 63,000 people estimated to work at the Worthy Farm extravaganza every year.
If the damning NTIA figures come to fruition, the industry's collapse would leave thousands more staring down the barrel of redundancy.
Lakota's owner says without jobs in nightlife, many South West residents would struggle to make ends meet.
"Not everyone works in the night-time economy as their first jobs, but it's their second job. It's the thing that makes them from being a family that are surviving, to a family that are thriving.
"I don't think the government should underestimate how big the night-time economy is," Marti added.
'Extremely challenging circumstances'
In response, the government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has told us it understands that lockdown has caused "extremely challenging circumstances for businesses, particularly nightclubs".
A government spokesperson added: "We have put in place one of the most comprehensive and generous packages of business support in the world, worth £280 billion.
"This includes a one off grant of up to £9,000, monthly grants of up to £3,000, various loan schemes, a business rates holiday, as well as the extended furlough scheme".