UK Late-Night Venues Contract 26% Since 2020, Night-Time Deserts Grow

The UK’s late-night venue sector has contracted by more than a quarter since 2020, with nearly 800 venues closing and only 2,424 remaining, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and CGA by NIQ. Closures have accelerated recently to a net loss of three venues per week, raising concerns about the emergence of 'night-time deserts' across the country, particularly in London, Birmingham, Wales, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. The sector's decline outpaces the wider hospitality industry's 14.2% contraction, with rising costs, tougher licensing rules, and reduced consumer spending cited as key challenges. NTIA CEO Michael Kill emphasized that late-night venues are vital cultural institutions and economic drivers, nurturing new talent and supporting community life. The NTIA is campaigning for urgent government intervention, including permanent VAT cuts, business rates reform, and the reversal of employer National Insurance thresholds to prevent further closures and job losses. Without these measures, the UK risks irreversibly damaging its night-time economy and cultural landscape.