Manchester’s XLR becomes UK’s first BYOB-licensed club 

Manchester’s XLR has become the UK’s first-ever club with a license allowing club-goers to bring their own alcoholic drinks.

The 200-capacity basement club on Wilmslow Road, Withington announced the news two days ago (2nd September) on Instagram, writing: “Bring your own alcohol, skip the overpriced bar and make the night as expensive as you want it to be”.

The venue, which is open from 10PM until 2AM from Tuesday to Saturday, will relaunch later this month with a Dubstate night. They have also have announced that Wednesdays will be steered by Ivy Collective, promising “a stacked lineup of rising and established DJs”.

XLR also recently tried out the BYOB concept (operating under the idea of a ‘corkage fee’) with events from Main Phase and Frazer Ray.

Speaking to Mixmag, XLR booking manager Chris Hindle said: “We’ve noticed a lot of venues these days are encouraging lower ticket pricing, which is great, but then you get to the bar and it’s 12 quid for a double. Whereas we’re going in the opposite direction: Once you’ve paid, the night is as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be.

“Club attendances are so low and student loans are, basically, the same as they were years ago. We’re trying to encourage young people to come, experience a grassroots venue and check out some grassroots artists.”

Check out the upcoming opening events for the newly relaunched XLR—which include appearances from Yung Singh and Bushbaby—below

Visit the incoming XLR website here for more info.