The government is failing to recognise the importance of nightclub culture in the UK, and has limited knowledge of its value outside economics, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has warned.
Following statistics that one in three nightclubs in the UK are at risk of closure in the coming months, the NTIA, alongside AFEM – a trade association representing businesses and individuals involved in electronic music – said it is concerned that the UK faces losing its “world-renowned” club network.
In addition to economic value, electronic music and club culture in the UK has community and cultural importance as well, as shown in a new report: Dance Music’s Impact on Communities and Culture.
The night time culture economy also accounts for 1.6% of GDP – or £36.4 billion – and 425,000 jobs across the UK, it said.
However, nightlife’s contribution to the UK economy far exceeds the revenue it generates and is significantly underestimated by the UK government in its lack of consideration and direct support, the trade bodies have said.
“By focusing exclusively on their commercial value, the government and key stakeholders overlook both the roles individual clubs play within their local communities and the broader socioeconomic context within which nightlife operates.”
Michael Kill, CEO, NTIA, said: “Dance music and clubs drive culture to the heart of communities - from the lone teenager listening to beats on a laptop in a bedroom, to groups of kids on an estate spitting lyrics and bars over an electro beat from the 1980s on a mobile phone, to the soul, jazz and funk instrumentals that underpin modern productions.”
Silvia Montello, CEO AFEM added: “It is great to see the collection of academic evidence of these benefits outlined clearly in a report, which can contribute towards a broader understanding of the importance of our music and scene to millions of people, alongside the clearly defined commercial and economic benefits. “
