Nightclubs are important venues across the country that give people an opportunity to socialise, let loose and be themselves.
It is in no doubt that nightclubs have been one of the most negatively affected businesses throughout the pandemic. An All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPG) survey found that nightclubs were trading at just 5% of their pre-coronavirus annual revenue. The survey also found that 51% of staff in nightclubs have been made redundant, with 63% of nightclubs forced into redundancies as 51% of clubs are behind on rental payments.
Nightclubs need to be supported. Only 12 nightclubs have been awarded finance from the £1.57 Billion Culture Recovery Fund. It is an industry which relies upon industry growth and outgoing social attitudes. At NDML, we want our industry to thrive, which is why we have listed just ten reasons as to why nightclubs should be supported:
1. Unites a Community
This lends to the clubs aspect of nightclub. A group of people uniting, clubbing together at a venue, existing at the same time in the same place. They are essential for community spirit and are many people’s choice for a social gathering or celebration.
Nightclubs often cater to a specific generation, connecting people of the same age through music and dance. However they are also multi-purpose hubs for different things and acts, able to connect people from all walks of life. Race, age, gender, class, education and other protected characteristics become obsolete on the dancefloor.
2. Provides a huge job market
There are 4,003 nightclub businesses in the UK, with an industry market size of £227 million. However this has seen a steady decline since 2014 – London alone lost 50% of its clubs between 2010 and 2016. We are at risk of the pandemic being the final nail in the coffin for nightclubs, and it is an industry heavily reliant on young workers.
The NTIA predicted 700,000 jobs were at risk to be lost by late February 2021. The Office for National Statistics reported a drop in employment of 695,000 jobs since beginning of lockdown. The affect has meant more young people are requiring work and unemployment is rising; the nightclub job market is essential for the UK economy.
3. An industry driven by young people
Clubs are some of the last cultural spaces truly driven by young people – they run the bars, engineer the sound, book the nights, manage the venues and play the records. Nightclub work offers vital experience, careers and freedom for the young generation.
They are places to input and expend energy, where else should that energy be directed if not into art, music and technology – each of which a nightclub facilitates.
4. A safe space for marginalised groups
Marginalised communities have always organised in clubs. Marginalised by race, ethnicity, religion, class or background; nightclubs are where many group together to celebrate their difference from the UK’s broadly homogenous society. This then develops into innovation, creation and reform.
5. Music progression
What would life be like without new music, and nightclubs are the breeding grounds for the next new talent. Many starting artists, DJs and VJs have cut their teeth in a local nightclub. Its where musicians have the freedom to get creative, try out new sets and feed off the crowd.
New wave and movements were also started from the cities backrooms – rave, EDM, soul, techno, trance and disco all have their roots planted in the nightclub scene. Nightclubs are essential for music’s growth and constant revival.
6. De-stress
Thinking of the wellbeing of the general public, nightclubs are a popular weekly social activity of choice. It’s the office worker’s Friday escape, the construction worker’s Saturday session, the student’s Sunday function. After a week of work, labour or revision, nightclubs are considered by many the best way to let down your hair.
Without these hubs, those who want to go clubbing will find dancefloors filling and queues lengthening as more and more nightclubs go bust. We want to increased demand, not reduce supply. The more options of a ‘big night-out’ available, the better.
7. Don’t annoy the neighbours!
Throughout lockdown, reports of house parties shot through the roof. The Greater Manchester police blamed restrictions and the closure of public spaces the reason why “we are seeing a resurgence of very large gatherings.” It’s clear, taking away a man’s space to dance and be loud won’t stop him partying.
Providing and supporting those spaces to be ourselves also provides space for those who do not want to partake.
8. Foreign influence, diversity and culture
In cities, cultural activities are key to encouraging new members of the community to get involved. The more opportunities, the more people who come along.
To become a truly cultural hub, cities need many types of venues to host new outside acts and influences. Nightclubs play a large role, hosting music and dance concerts. They help to develop culture, and therefore the diversity appreciation of society as a whole. This will improve the overall health of the community, taking pressure off social services and other facilities.
9. Profit for the Economy
Well-run nightclubs are very lucrative, grossing thousands every night from drink sales. Nationally the UK’s night-time economy it’s the UK’s fifth biggest industry, accounting for at least 8% of the UK’s employment and annual revenues of £66bn. By day our economy grows by 2%, but by night its 2.2%.
Now a British trope, nightclubs in the capital are internationally recognised. They also are a foundation for the hugely successful UK music industry which is celebrated the world over. Can the UK afford for the night-time economy to remain in decline. We must support our venues, respecting them as a critical part of British heritage and culture.
10. Other centres and venues rely on nightclubs
Nightlife is extremely important for the health of the arts. Contemporary art centres around the world use nightlife to bring younger audiences into the gallery spaces. Nightlife is a creative and affluent industry, offering new experiences and is easily paired with performance, theatre, sport, fashion, music, food and drink. It’s a Warholian characteristic where art, music and fashion and all tied together in contemporary culture.
As such, nightclubs are relied upon by galleries, museums, exhibitionists, artists, fashion brands, songwriters and actors. It’s also where each of these disciplines come together and collaborate.
How can you support your nightclub?
Nightclubs need customers. There are also currently petitions and surveys offered by the government which can be used to show your support for the sector. Scotland and Wales have announced COVID passports, have your say on these issues here.
Why not check out the programme of events and activities going on at your local nightclub venues and head along to meet new members of your community.
If you are the owner or manager of nightclub business, it’s important to continue to promote your services and share news of the great work you do. Follow us on Twitter and let us know more about your centre.
For any enquiries about insurance, policy agreements and risk management, please contact us today.