DJs and nightclubs from across the 海角视频 have issued an urgent plea to the Government for financial support - claiming "over 80%" of these businesses will not survive beyond the end of this month.
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is leading the calls, saying that the Government has only provided "limited and hugely disproportionate support" for the sector.
A survey of 100 nightclubs across the country found they had suffered "extreme financial hardship" for 11 months, with many seeing February as the "last stand" for their future.
It's claimed that without "urgent" action, 2021 will see the "extinction" of these businesses.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, pointed to several factors he said would cause venues to go out of business in 2021, in the absence of Government support.
Those included proposed changes to planning laws allowing landlords to convert venues into housing, and a lack of transparent exit strategy for the reopening of the sector.
Mr Kill said: “We are on the cusp of losing a cultural institution, the Government has ignored the sector and failed to recognise its economic and cultural value.”
“We are a world leader in electronic music and clubs - and have been a breeding ground for contemporary music talent, events and DJs for decades. Nightclubs have made a huge contribution to our culture sector and are renowned globally.
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"Throughout this pandemic and the restrictive measures levied against the sector, it is clear that these businesses are being systematically eradicated from society."
According to NTIA, its survey of over 100 nightclubs showed the following "catastrophic" results:
- 88% of nightclubs within the 海角视频 are in over two months of rent arrears
- 81% of nightclubs within the 海角视频 will not survive past February without further support from the Government
- 86% of nightclubs have made redundancies
- 43% of nightclubs surveyed had not received any grant support from the Government
- Average rateable value for a nightclub or late venue was £105,986
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Following the survey, musicians and DJs from around the country echoed the NTIA's calls for sector-specific support.
Graeme Park, a DJ and musician from Manchester, said: “It is highly frustrating and disappointing that the Government continue to ignore and dismiss the valuable contribution that nightclubs have on society and the economy.
"The cultural significance of this vibrant and varied sector has given employment to many for decades and now faces an uncertain future. We need the government to enter into meaningful discussion to help support a sector that is recognised around the world for its creativity before it's too late.”
Yousef, a DJ at Circus Events, based in Liverpool, said: “Circus has been the heartbeat for quality house and techno and broader electronic music in Liverpool and beyond for 18 years.
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"Its impact culturally can’t be underestimated.
"The audience is ready to go, the artists are ready to go, and Circus is ready to open and welcome.
"For now, after a generation of efforts we are living in a very precarious state of limbo.”
Last month, industry leaders from the NTIA issued a call for "music fans and nightlife lovers" to take part in a new parliamentary inquiry on Covid-19 and the night time economy.
An industry-wide online survey was launched by an all-party Parliamentary group, asking for employers, employees, freelancers and consumers to take part and share their views on how the sector had been affected by the pandemic - and its importance to the cultural and economic life of the 海角视频.
Drew Burke, director of Birmingham venue Hangar, said: “Being the fourth biggest employer in the 海角视频, the hospitality industry accounts for over 3m jobs, generating over £70bn of gross added directly to the 海角视频 economy with the umbrella effect providing trade for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, salons, taxi services which many now sit redundant.
"This has affected not only business owners but staff who depend on their wages, breweries who provide beverages to venues, the customer who craves for social interaction and a release of work and home life duties, and so forth creating a huge domino effect that isn't being fixed.
"Without venues and nightclubs, a huge social void looms causing mass redundancies, and a huge influx on mental health.”
Mike Grieve, MD of Sub Club in Glasgow, said: “The club and electronic music scene in Glasgow is amongst the most developed anywhere in Europe with a very well established network of promoters and clubs and a solid heritage going right back to the mid 80s.
"In the case of the Sub Club we have been consistently on the cutting edge since 1987.
"The cultural importance of that heritage to the city, and to Scotland more broadly, can hardly be overstated as all forms of arts and culture have been influenced over the decades, leading to a steady influx of young people from all round the world to study, work, live life and very often set up home in Glasgow.”
Ty Temel, the owner of Halo Nightclub in Bournemouth, added: “Nightclubs have been largely side lined in terms of support but without them, there will be huge economic, safety and social consequences.
“Our sector is a huge contributor to the local economy.
"The Bournemouth hospitality sector produces an estimated £134m pounds annual revenue to the local economy. That doesn't include supply chain businesses such as transport and cleaning.
“Nightclubs have been partially if not fully closed since March 2020 with no real light at the end of the tunnel.
"Yet they have not received any of the benefits other hospitality sectors have received such as 'eat out to help out' for restaurants.”
A government spokesperson said: “We understand these are extremely challenging circumstances for businesses, particularly nightclubs. The current restrictions are essential so we can control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“We have put in place one of the most comprehensive and generous packages of business support in the world, worth £280 billion.
"This includes a one off grant of up to £9,000, monthly grants of up to £3,000, various loan schemes, a business rates holiday, as well as the extended furlough scheme.”