Furthermore, seven in 10 (70%) said hospitality was becoming less affordable while 64% backed lowering VAT for businesses in the sector, according to a report from the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA).
Some 73% don’t feel the Government is supporting the night-time industries sufficiently with a third (33%) agreeing the Government understands the challenges faced by the hospitality sector.
Moreover, 68% said they would go out if transport were safer as 60% reported feeling safe late at night.
Meanwhile, 59% of those surveyed said nightlife enhanced their quality of life and 61% valued night-time events as personal cultural experiences.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “Our survey shows the night-time economy is at tipping point.
“People value the social connection, community and wellbeing it provides. Venues are generally safe but streets, transport and policing are insufficient and rising costs puts nights out, out of reach.”
Critical sector
He added: “Without urgent investment we risk losing not just nightlife but the cultural and social heartbeat it provides across the UK.”
The research from consumer insights firm Obsurvant in partnership with the NTIA polled more than 2,000 consumers aged 18 to 64 and looked at behaviours, attitudes and perceptions across theatres, restaurants, bars, clubs and late-night events.
Obsurvant co-founder Alex Morrison said: “The importance of the night-time economy really shines through in our data but so do the pressure it faces.
“Supporting it means removing barriers, managing rising costs and ensuring it is accessible to everyone, yet the public doesn’t feel confident that is happening.
“As the study continues, we’ll be able to add more context and see how opinions change over time, bringing valuable insights to those working to defend and strengthen this critical sector.”
NTIA chair Sacha Lord echoed Kill’s comments around the environment surrounding late-night venues.
Strong engagement desire
He said: “This survey confirms what we see every night - unsafe streets, poor transport and rising costs are preventing people from accessing nightlife.
“Desire to engage remains strong but without action on infrastructure, safety and affordability, we risk cutting off a generation from vital cultural experiences.”
Earlier this month (November), the NTIA accused the Government of failing to match public expectations ahead of the autumn Budget (Wednesday 26 November).
The trade body warned a “gulf” has opened between what voters see as fair and the decisions being made in Westminster.
A previous report found years of rising costs, safety fears and poor public transport were among factors that have seen the late-night economy contract by 4.6% in 12 months and more than a quarter (28%) since Covid.
