EXCLUSIVE: Industry leaders warn UK cultural identity at risk without urgent intervention in a sector that underpins nation’s life.
Audience with hands raised at a music festival (Image: Getty Images)
Britain’s late night economy is on the brink of collapse with the potential loss of 10,000 venues and 150,000 jobs unless urgent action is taken. Industry leaders say without intervention, the UK’s cultural identity could be destroyed forever due to the severe strain caused by rising costs, changing consumer behaviour, and the fear of higher taxation in Rachel Reeves upcoming budget.
The crisis is particularly acute for grassroots and independent music venues, which form the backbone of the UK’s creative and cultural ecosystem. These venues provide essential platforms for emerging talent and create a pathway for Britain’s £7.6bn world leading music industry. Protecting this talent pipeline has been an ongoing aim of the Daily Express Strike A Chord crusade as without grassroot venues global UK superstars from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones through to contemporary acts such as Sam Fender, Dua Lipa, Stormzy and Coldplay may never have emerged. But closure of these sites not only risks eroding local culture and creative careers, it also threatens the social fabric of towns and cities.
Superstar Dua Lipa (Image: Getty Images for ABA)
The latest night time economy market monitor from CGA by NIQ and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) highlights the scale of the crisis:
It found that late-night venues – music venues, bars, nightclubs, casinos, and other high-tempo hospitality sites – have fallen 28% since March 2020, with 4.6% of that decline in the last 12 months alone.
Independent venues are hardest hit, down 30.6% since 2020, more than double the decline among larger operators.
The sector says it is being squeezed from all angles with operating costs – energy, supply chains, and soaring staff costs caused by Labour’s National Insurance hike, have crippled operators.
Indirect pressures, such as the potential for higher fuel prices, alcohol duty, taxi fares, and gambling levies in the Budget, could reduce consumer disposable income and increase costs, limiting late-night spending.
Night time habits are changing due to rising costs (Image: Avalon via Getty Images)
The situation is so dire that many venues warn that, if Wednesday’s budget is unfavourable, they may have no choice but to hand back keys or close doors at the start of the New Year.
Modelling shows this would mean the loss of between 7,000–10,000 additional venues closing by 2028 due to a 15–20% contraction on top of the 28% already lost since 2020
That would put 150,000 jobs in hospitality, live music, events, security, and support industries at risk
With grassroots and independent venues suffering the worst losses.
Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA and Vice President of the International Nightlife Association, said: “For too long, government policies and rising costs have suppressed a vital part of Britain’s cultural and social life. The late-night economy is an engine for jobs, tourism, and community vibrancy, and grassroots venues are at the heart of this ecosystem.
People dancing in a packed venue (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“These pressures are punishing young people, limiting job opportunities and social mobility, and disproportionately affecting independent operators. Local communities and economies suffer when venues close, streets become quieter, supply chains are disrupted, and essential jobs are lost. Beyond the economic consequences, these closures are eroding the social and cultural identity of the UK. The Chancellor must act in the Autumn Budget to protect this sector before it is too late.”
Sacha Lord, Chair of NTIA, said: “The late-night economy is at a tipping point. Rising operating costs, NIC hikes, and the potential for further taxes in the Budget are already hitting both operators and consumers. Without immediate action, grassroots and independent venues will disappear, jobs will be lost, and a serious blow will be felt across local economies and communities.
Sam Fender performs onstage (Image: Getty Images)
“Many venues warn that an unfavourable Budget will force them to hand back keys or close at the start of the New Year. This sector isn’t just about nightlife, it underpins culture, tourism, and the social fabric of towns and cities. The Chancellor must step in to ensure these venues survive and continue to contribute to Britain’s economic and cultural life.”
Evening Economy Outperforming Late-Night
While late-night venues continue to close, the evening economy is performing better:
Licensed premises operating earlier in the day are up 0.9% year-on-year, now only 7.4% smaller than pre-pandemic
Demand for hospitality still exists, showing the late-night sector is structurally under pressure, not a collapse in consumer demand
Call to Action
The NTIA urges the Chancellor to use the 26th November Autumn Budget to:
Avoid introducing further direct or indirect taxes that impact operators or reduce consumer disposable income
Introduce targeted tax and business rates relief for late-night venues, especially grassroots and independent sites
Invest in safe late-night transport, urban infrastructure, and public safety
Recognise the late-night economy as critical national infrastructure, supporting jobs, tourism, culture, and communities.
A Defining Moment for the Sector
Britain’s nightlife drives jobs, culture, tourism, and urban vibrancy, and grassroots venues are key to the nation’s electronic music, festivals, and counterculture businesses. The Chancellor’s actions on 26th November will be decisive: without urgent intervention, 10,000 businesses and 150,000 jobs could be lost, leaving shuttered venues, quieter streets, and a weakened creative economy. Many operators warn that, if the Budget is unfavourable, they may have no choice but to hand back keys or close doors at the start of the New Year.
