Campaign launched to celebrate late night economy after rise in club closures

A series of events, talks and exhibitions will take place across the UK to help raise awareness about the impact of increasingly strict licensing laws, aggressive development and to promote the benefits of the late night sector.

Venues and consumers are being encouraged to email their local councillors and MP’s urging them to protect bars and nightclubs, nearly half of which have closed over the past ten years. 

NTIA chairman Alan Miller said: “In Britain millions of people go out every week and enjoy some of the world's best music, clubs and bars up and down the country. The "silent majority" that loves going out, socialising, dancing, eating & drinking, meeting new friends and getting inspired will now have the chance to have our voices heard - and make a difference. By supporting Nightlife Matters, a message is sent to local councillors & MP's that we want nightlife protected and celebrated, not destroyed.”

Pete Jordan, owner of Birmingham nightclub the Rainbow Venues, added: “The UK has a nightlife and festival industry that is revered the world over. We are currently seeing more threats to venues and their licenses for a variety of reasons that could, in time, destroy the industry.”

Hackney-based nightclub the Dance Tunnel​ announced earlier this year it would become another club to close its doors for good, blaming the ‘impossible’ licensing climate in the borough.