NTIA fears UK clubs will become “extinct”

Crowd in a nightclub
© Giulia Spadafora

Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has stated that clubs are on the brink of “extinction” due to the government’s lack of funding during the pandemic.

A statement reads: “The end of 2020 sees the ‘extinction’ of nightclubs where they have been systematically extinguished from the Night Time Economy by the UK Government. The failure of the UK Government to recognise the devastating impact of their actions on this sector is a tragedy for UK Culture.” [sic]

Venues across the UK are considering legal action. In October, G-A-Y owner Jeremy Joseph challenged the government’s 10pm curfew and sent legal papers to Health Secretary Matt Hancock. A court later ruled out permission for his challenge to proceed.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, says: “Nightclubs are continually excluded from many of funding provisions and fears are growing for their future as we have yet to see a roadmap or exit strategy which directly related to these types of businesses. We’re also fighting against a tide of misconception, with key operators like Deltic Group, Revolutions Group, some of the biggest late bar and nightclub owners in the country in financial difficulty, the government needs to intervene.” [sic]

“The government needs to support nightclubs with a robust financial package which is tailored to support businesses that have been closed since March,” he added. [sic]

Last week, Music Venue Trust launched a traffic light campaign to highlight venues in crisis. A colour-coded map showed that 30 grassroots music venues in the UK are at risk of imminent closure. Save Our Venues has launched a national fund. You can donate here.