What is the conception of nightclubs from authorities and the general public that is harming UK venues?
Continued misconceptions about nightclubs, their purpose and their customer base, need to be challenged. Stigmas attached the nightclubs could be contributing to the industry’s downwards trending consumer base, claims the NTIA. After longstanding efforts to engage local authorities and government, the NTIA are at an impasse, exclaiming policymakers have a serious lack of understanding of what it means to be an NTE operators.
Here, we tackle the misconceptions the wider public and authorities may hold about nightclubs and the night-time industry. Informed by the NTIA’s recent publicity concerning the lack of understanding between the Night Time Economy and national government officials, as well as failing policies.
“Nightclubs are wealthy” – “Nightclubs are expensive”
Nightclubs have faced an ongoing relentless wave of economic pressures. Far from having money to spare, inflation and tight budgets have resulted in a staggering 31% loss of nightclubs between June 2020 and June 2023.
Mixmag’s cost of living report gave real world accounts of how nightclubs are running out of money. A reported 40% drop in attendance made it difficult for venues to make ends meet. This is why prices are going up, which is having a knock on effect, perhaps creating this opinion that nightclubs are a premium, costly event to attend.
The truth is, as the cost of alcohol goes up, taxation increases and the cost of living cripples the pockets of the public, consumers are becoming less likely to spend at the bar. Hence, money spent on drinks during an event is now not sustainable on its own for venues. Promoters who throw parties at independent venues are seeing hiring costs go up and no longer receive 100% of ticket sales. Deal with venues are changing. Set fees are becoming more common, and the consumer is seeing the price of a night out go up.
If we want the cost of a night out to go down, then policymakers need to understand nightclubs owners are struggling financially. The Night Time Economy is not just about entertainment; it’s a significant contributor to a city’s economic vitality – it creates jobs, supports local businesses, and drives tourism – and to lose it would be a catastrophe.
“Nightclubs aren’t for everyone”
Live music venues, theatres, art galleries, and late-night eateries all contribute to a city’s cultural fabric and economic viability during the evening hours. What makes an eclectic and healthy culture, is the process of stitching together many different attitudes, opinions and experiences.
Cultural events, live performances, and late-night art exhibitions foster a sense of community and cultural enrichment. By highlighting areas specific to certain people and certain demographics, they are in their nature, on display for everyone to be able to come together and celebrate.
Nightclubs and night time businesses are often the heart beat of diverse events. PRIDE started it’s journey and finishes each night within a night time venue, communities come together to watch sports in pubs, bars or beer gardens, and people of all walks of life become equals on the dancefloor.
“Nightclubs are rough”
One of the major concerns surrounding the Night Time Economy is public safety, it has been under a bright spotlight post-pandemic. Drink Spiking news stories and security staff shortages have put nightclub owners on high alert.
Reports of assault at nightclubs have increased incrementally since 2016, however Time Out posited whether this is due to an increase in reporting, or in prevalence. Technology is becoming more useful for venues, including CCTV and apps such as Where You At and Ask for Angela, helping spot and stop dangerous situations.
“Nightclub music is all the same”
From vinyl to algorithms, clubs have been utilising the newest tech to attract audiences. Music and nightclubs are every city district’s dynamic duo, and its important the newest and most transformative hits are given a platform. However, popular and futuristic hits are not all universal – many nightclubs follow a theme, and choose a genre of music accordingly, such as rock, 90’s pop or disco.
In each major city there is surely a nightclub to target each demographic’s wants and needs. Yet, through the use of technology and AI (artificial intelligence), clubs are now able to tailor the musical atmosphere to match the moods and preferences of each individual. Music intelligence doesn’t stop at audio – it extends to the visual realm as well. Clubs can combine music with captivating visuals. mesmerising holographic displays and light shows to memorise audiences.
For the DJ and promoters, real-time adaptation to the crowd’s energy will result in performances that are both innovative and deeply connected to the audience.
“Nightclubs are too loud” – “Nightclubs are noisy”
Noise complaints are a constant battle for nightclub operators, even though they are very rarely upheld. Clubs are well within their rights to play music at a certain decibel level, and are very well educated on the regulations. Yet the noise and nuisance complaints are still filed, and this unwarranted negative perception of clubs remains.
Better planning and mitigation measures are needed to protect both businesses and residents. The NTIA states that, “The UK government should learn from other cities like Berlin that have implemented noise mitigation funds.”
Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, shares his thoughts on the noise complaints, his background in the nightlife industry and his passion for giving back to the industry. In a recent podcast, he explains how the nighttime industry evolves and covers some more common misconceptions.
