UK nightclubs closing at “alarming rate”, figures suggest

By , Aug 10 2015

According to industry figures, the UK has lost almost half of its nightclubs in the past 10 years.

As Newsbeat reports, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), which represents venues in the UK, says there are now only 1,733 clubs, down from 3,144 in 2005.

The ALMR has warned that the closures could have an effect on youth unemployment, saying that last year the venues it represents generated 37,000 new job, of which over 80 per cent went to 18-24 year olds.

ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls, believes that planning and licensing rules have led to the closures, and that it’s become too easy for residents to complain about noise, even if the venue was there before they moved in.

“People want to have their cake and eat it,” said Nicholls. “[If] you want vibe and to live in a cool area, then you need the other, edgier side of it.”

“We know the important contribution the sector makes to our economy and the nation’s cultural landscape,” a government spokeperson told Newsbeat.

“The current regulations strike a fair balance between making sure we have music entertainment for the public and preventing crime and disorder, whilst keeping the public safe.”

The figures come in the wake of a number of blows to the UK’s clubs. Earlier this year Glasgow’s Arches went into administration after its opening hours were curbed, while London’s Madame Jojo’s also had its license revoked.

Last month, Hackney Council came under fire for proposing changes to the local policy that could curb the number of new nightclubs being granted licenses in the borough.

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