Big drop in number of nightclubs, study suggests
Bars, pubs and competitive socialising venues now rival nightclubs, giving consumers a greater choice – report.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The number of nightclubs has almost halved in the past decade – including a 30% fall since the start of the pandemic, a new study suggests.
The impact of Covid, coupled with changing consumer habits have led to a sharp drop in the popularity of Britain’s nightclubs, according to a report.
Research company CGA NIQ said its study found that 10 years ago, Britain had around 1,700 nightclubs, but in June this year the total stood at 873.
This latest data highlights just how severely the night-time industry has been impacted by both the pandemic, changing consumer behaviour and increasing competition in the late night market
The report said the sharp decline reflected the impact of long periods of Covid-related closures of nightclubs, which were among the last venues to emerge from trading restrictions, as well as longer term changes in people’s habits.
Karl Chessell, of CGA NIQ, said: “Covid-19 hit nightclubs harder than any other licensed sector, and lockdowns were the final straw for hundreds of venues.
“But our research shows the late-night market isn’t disappearing – it’s just changing. Bars, pubs, competitive socialising venues and other new leisure concepts all now rival nightclubs, giving consumers a greater choice of venues than ever.
“Young adults remain eager for big nights out with their friends, and while clubs are still a part of their mix they are also open to alternatives that deliver memorable social experiences and good value.”
Graeme Smith, managing director of AlixPartners – which helped with the research, added: “This latest data highlights just how severely the night-time industry has been impacted by both the pandemic, changing consumer behaviour and increasing competition in the late night market.
“We’ve seen a recent explosion of experiential bar and restaurant concepts across the industry, and with bars and other venues also now staying open later into the early hours, consumers have a wide array of experiences and options to choose from.”