Study Reveals Closure of Over 100 Independent Nightclubs in the UK in the Past Year

According to a recent report by CGA Neilson, more than 100 independent nightclubs in the UK have shut down within the last 12 months.

Data analysis indicates that over 30% of clubs in the UK ceased operations between June 2020 and June 2023, with 12% of closures occurring in the last year alone. This decline in the number of UK nightclubs is attributed to the ongoing cost of living crisis and rising energy expenses. Michael Kill, from the NTIA, warns that these challenges could potentially lead to more closures before the year concludes.

Kill emphasizes, “The recent figures from CGA Neilson are extremely alarming, and if taken back to 2019 show an even more dramatic picture for these businesses, with losses nearer 40%. These businesses are facing some critical challenges, with many not knowing whether they will survive over the coming months.”

The data reveals that there were 991 active independent clubs in the UK in June 2020, which has dwindled to just 649 in June 2023.

“We have constantly highlighted to the Government the concerns around these businesses, particularly independent venues,” Kill states. “Without further support we may lose many more of these businesses before the end of the year.”

As of November, the NTIA expressed concerns that clubs in the UK were shutting down at a rate of 14 per month, with a prediction that one in three nightclubs would be closed by the end of 2022.

During 2022, several of the UK’s prominent and beloved nightclubs, including The Drumsheds, Werkhaus, Printworks, and The Cause, have closed. While the latter two were always intended to be temporary venues, the owners of both The Drumsheds and Printworks, Broadwick Live, have collaborated with British Land on development projects accused of expediting gentrification.

Simeon Aldred, co-owner and head of strategy at Broadwick Live, addressed the “gentrification narrative” surrounding Printworks, stating that the creation of the venue was “as much [British Land’s] idea as ours”.