One in five UK nightclubs shut since pandemic, new report shows

One in five UK nightclubs have shut since the pandemic hit in early 2020, according to a new report from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) completed with figures from the CGA.

The NTIA has shared new research revealing that in March 2020 there were 1,418 clubs in the UK, which has decreased by 20% to 1,130 in 2022.

“Late night economy businesses were one of the quickest sectors to rebound during the financial crash many years ago, harbouring an abundance of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit,” said the NTIA’s CEO, Michael Kill. “It’s without a doubt that these businesses, particularly nightclubs, have a huge part to play in the regeneration of high streets in towns and cities across the UK.”

“The government needs to recognise the economic, cultural, and community value of clubs and the wider night-time economy,” he continued. “We must protect these businesses, using every means possible, and recognise their importance before it’s too late.”

According to the study, the number of nightclubs in the UK peaked in 2006 with roughly 3,000 venues, and has been on the decline ever since.

Read the NTIA report in full here.