The latest statistics from CGA Neilson reveal a devastating decline in the number of nightclubs across the UK, with staggering closures that underscore the urgent need for support and intervention. 

Writing on its website, the NTIA said:

"Alarmingly, the pace of closures has increased in 2024. Between December 2023 and June 2024, 65 nightclubs shut down, equating to 11 closures per month—or 3 per week. This rise in closures is devastating the UK’s late-night economy, particularly the dance music spaces that are the lifeblood of the scene."

The report's hightights include:

• Central Region: From 200 nightclubs in 2020, only 118 remain in 2024, marking a catastrophic loss of 41%.
• East: A decline from 67 to 41 venues, representing a 39% reduction.
• Lancashire: Once home to 178 dance floors, only 104 survive, a 42% decrease.
• London: The vibrant heart of dance music has seen its dance floors reduced from 200 to just 143, down 29%.
• North East: A decrease from 61 to 49 venues, equating to a 20% decline.
• Scotland: From 125 venues to 83, a troubling 34% drop.
• South & South East: A reduction from 92 to 70 venues, down 24%.
• South West: The number of nightclubs has halved, from 111 to 64—a staggering 42% loss.
• Wales: From 66 to 39 venues, reflecting a grim 41% decline.
• Yorkshire: The hardest hit, with a loss from 132 to just 73 venues—a shocking 45% reduction.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said:

“The nightclub and dance music sector is facing an unprecedented crisis. Since June 2020, we’ve been losing two nightclubs every week, but in the last six months, this has escalated to three per week. This rapid decline is devastating for our economy, culture, and communities.

Despite contributing millions in taxes, we are burdened with rising costs and a lack of essential public services. Late-night transport is unreliable, police presence is scarce, and venues are forced to spend on security and cleaning—services that should be publicly provided. Additionally, bureaucratic systems around licensing and planning are inconsistent and definitely not conducive to growth, weighing us down at every point.

Our sector is treated like an afterthought, yet it supports jobs, tourism, and hospitality. These venues aren’t just places to dance; they are vital spaces for community and creativity. Without urgent government intervention, we risk losing a key part of the UK’s cultural identity in dance music. We need immediate action to prevent further closures. Long-term reform won’t matter if there are no venues left to benefit from it.”