New research from the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA), released today (Wednesday 25 September), revealed 480 nightclubs were lost between June 2020 and June 2024, an average of 10 closures per month or two per week.
However, the pace of closures has “intensified” this year, the figures showed, with 65 venues having shut down between December 2023 and June 2024 alone, equating to 11 closures per month or three per week.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “The nightclub and dance music sector is facing an unprecedented crisis. The rapid decline is devastating for our economy, culture, and communities.
Vital spaces
“These venues aren’t just places to dance; they are vital spaces for community and creativity.
“Our sector is treated like an afterthought, yet it supports jobs, tourism, and hospitality.”
According to the research, the impact on northern regions has been “particularly severe”, with Yorkshire, the hardest hit area, having seen a 45% reduction in the number of venues while Lancashire saw a 42% decline.
In contrast, London, while also affected, showed a smaller reduction of 29%, reflecting the capital's “stronger economic base”, the NTIA said. However, this doesn't “diminish” the growing risk to the capital's iconic nightlife culture, it added.
Ahead of next month's Budget, the organisation has called for “immediate support” to “reverse the accelerating closure rate”.
Immediate action
Kill added: “Despite contributing millions in taxes, we are burdened with rising costs and a lack of essential public services.
“Late-night transport is unreliable, police presence is scarce, and venues are forced to spend on security and cleaning—services that should be publicly provided.
“Additionally, bureaucratic systems around licensing and planning are inconsistent and definitely not conducive to growth, weighing us down at every point.
“Without urgent Government intervention, we risk losing a key part of the UK's cultural identity in dance music. We need immediate action to prevent further closures. Long-term reform won't matter if there are no venues left to benefit from it.”
