News / Nighttime Economy
Warning nightclubs face ‘extinction’ without immediate support
People whose livelihoods are at stake have issued an urgent plea for government support amid stark warnings nightclubs risk becoming ‘extinct’.
Laila Mckenzie, the founder and director of Bristol-based music events business Parallel Dimensions, says if venues are forced to close it will mean a devastating loss not just of those businesses, but the many that will also be impacted.
“Not only is it my livelihood but it is my life,” says the freelance promoter who has been organising and promoting nightclub events for 18 years.
“Venues are so important to our culture in the UK, nearly every festival organiser starts as a nightclub promoter. Nearly every big stage artist begins as a club artist.
“Without venues so many other businesses will be lost, it’s not just the nighttime economy that will suffer, losing venues will have a domino effect. How will it be for future generations without nightclubs to visit – life will be very bleak without them. We need to act now to save our venues.”
Laila Mckenzie says we need to act now to save our venues – photo courtesy of Laila Mckenzie
A stark warning has been issued by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) that night clubs will become “extinct” unless the government takes action to mitigate against the impact of Covid restrictions on the sector and provides urgent support.
The organisation estimates more than 80 per cent of night club businesses across the country won’t survive past the end of the month under current conditions.
“We are on the cusp of losing a cultural institution, the government has ignored the sector and failed to recognise its economic and cultural value,” says NTIA CEO Michael Kill.
“We are a world leader in electronic music and clubs – and have been a breeding ground for contemporary music talent, events and DJs for decades. Nightclubs have made a huge contribution to our culture sector and are renowned globally.”
Michael says the sector is being hit by a lack of financial support from the government and the lack of a “transparent exit strategy”, as well as an inability for venues to access funds from financial institutions and the potential impact of changes to planning law that could see venues turned into housing.
The NTIA is calling for a robust financial package that is tailored to support businesses that have been closed since March 2020 and a roadmap giving a clear indication of the timelines for re-opening.
Bristol24/7 recently broke the news that the city is set to appoint a new ambassador to champion the nighttime economy and spearhead economic recovery in the sector.
The dedicated ‘night czar’ will support venues, bars, restaurants, clubs and cultural institutions, and help them to rebuild in the wake of the pandemic.
Main photo ©Alastair Brookes / KoLAB Studios
Read more: Bristol to appoint new ‘night csar’ to champion venues
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