NTIA fears UK nightclubs may face 'extinction' without government support
The statement arrives amid one of the toughest periods in UK clubbing history, as most venues approach their ninth month out of business. Because dancing has been banned since March, a growing number of the 1400 clubs open pre-pandemic have since been forced to shut.
“We are on the cusp of losing a cultural institution,” says NTIA CEO Michael Kill. “The government has ignored the sector and failed to recognise its economic and cultural value.”
He adds: “Nightclubs are continually excluded from many of the funding provisions and fears are growing for their future, as we have yet to see a roadmap or exit strategy which directly related to these types of businesses.”
Though clubs were eligible for loans and the government’s furlough scheme, which was recently extended until March, in many cases the debts and running costs remain too high. In order to stem the closures, Kill is asking the government for a “robust financial package.”
Plus, the sooner clubs can open safely, Kill argues, the sooner the authorities can stop worrying about illegal raves, which have skyrocketed recently. Last month, a girl was left with life-changing injuries after a police dog attacked her at a warehouse party near Bristol.
That said, not all clubs face economic ruin. Some were allocated funds as part of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which was open to all venues. Recipients include Ministry Of Sound, Camp & Furnace, Rye Wax, Mint, Corsica Studios, The Warehouse Project, fabric and The White Hotel.
Photo credit: Bristol Live
