UK nightclubs could be extinct in five years - with third lost since start of pandemic, experts warn

UK could become extinct by the end of 2029, a sector body has warned.

The Night Time Industries Association said 37% of have been lost since March 2020 - three venues a week, or over 150 per year. It said that based on this data, the country faces losing all of its major nightclubs by the decade's end.

The trade body has now launched The Last Night Out, a campaign created by McCann London to highlight the continued of the night-time .

McCann London’s campaign, a of nightclub poster design, aims to raise awareness of continued nightclub closures whilst driving people through to a petition challenging the recently-elected Labour government to launch a Heritage Protection scheme, granting nightclubs targeted financial support and giving heritage clubs such as Fabric, Ministry of Sound & SubClub culturally protected status.

Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, said: "We are witnessing the systematic dismantling of the night-time economy. Our industry is not just about entertainment; it’s about identity, community, and the economy. Losing our clubs means losing jobs, culture, and a vital part of the UK’s social fabric. Without urgent intervention, December 31 2029 will be the last night out and the end of a clubbing era that has defined generations."

Another survey of NTIA members found 70% of nightspots are operating at a loss or barely breaking even.
The organisation called on Chancellor for "urgent action" in her autumn next week, including an extension to the business rates relief scheme to avoid the struggling hospitality industry facing a £48billion hike next year.

Mr Kill added: "We implore the Government to recognise the severity of the situation and extend critical support to ensure the survival of the night-time industry.
"The time to act is now, before we witness widespread closures and job losses that will devastate communities across the country."

Prolonged economic challenges such as rising bills, increasing regulatory pressures and a lack of meaningful support has driven thousands of nightlife businesses into insolvency.

The contacted HM Treasury for comment.