Closures in Britain’s late-night venues reach all-time high with one in four businesses lost since 2020

• 26.4% drop in late-night venues since March 2020

• Nearly 800 late night venues closed in five years

• Three net closures a week in the last three months

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has raised concern about the contraction in Britain's nightlife scene as new data from the latest Night Time Economy Monitor reveals one in four late-night venues have shut their doors since 2020 - a total of nearly 800 businesses, leaving just 2,424 late night venues still operating.

According to the research, compiled by the NTIA and CGA by NIQ, losses have stepped up over the past three months with three net closures of venues a week, creating what the NTIA warns are 'night-time deserts' across the country.

The late-night sector has contracted 26.4% since March 2020, compared with the 14.2% contraction seen across the wider hospitality sector.

"We're witnessing the loss of important social infrastructure from our towns and cities. Nightclubs and late-night venues are more than just places to dance - they're cultural institutions, economic engines and cornerstones of community life," said Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA.

The decline in wider night-time economy venues is evident across all UK regions, although Wales and

London are among the hardest hit, seeing declines of -16.8% and -15.3% since 2020.

Across the UK's major cities, Birmingham has experienced the largest decline in late-night venues, at -

27.5%, while Greater London's late-night venue numbers have dropped 20.8%. The capital now has 343

late-night venues, compared with 433 in March 2020. Edinburgh has seen a gradual decline in late-night

venues, falling 13.0% since March 2020 to a total of 47 in June 2025, while Liverpool has also seen a

steady decline, dropping 13.9% to 93 late night venues in June 2025.

"The closure of one in four late-night venues changes the UK's cultural landscape. Small venues nurture new talent, fuelling the success of globally renowned artists and the creative economy. You don't get Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, or Oasis without small venues. The collapse of independent venues puts the entire night-time economy at risk," added Michael Kill.

Said Karl Chessell, business unit director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ: "These closures have coincided with soaring operational costs-including increases to minimum wage and National Insurance in April-and a continued shortfall in post-pandemic support for independent operators. Although we have seen growth in venues such as themed bars and cocktails bars, our nightclubs and traditional late-night bars are cultural assets that we're in danger of losing for good."

The Night Time Economy Market Monitor, compiled by CGA by NIQ and NTIA, is the UK's leading source of licensed venue data. The Q2 2025 edition includes venue counts, closure rates, regional and city sales data, and tenure analysis.