Latest news with #NightTimeIndustriesAssociation
Man of Many
6 hours ago
- Business
- Man of Many
Whiskey, Cocktail, and RTD Prices to Rise as Beer Tax is Paused
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 1 Aug 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. The price of alcoholic drinks typically rises twice a year (February and August) as the indexation on commercially produced alcohol, e.g. draught beer, wine, whiskey, vodka, tequila, and more, is applied in line with inflation. This has been happening for decades, but has recently jumped back into the spotlight as the price of a schooner has pinched the pockets of punters. Recently, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced that the Labor Party will put a two-year pause on the biannual indexation of the draught beer excise, in what he's calling a 'win for beer drinkers, brewers and hospitality businesses.' Set to cost the budget $95 million over four years, a closer look at the fine print shows that the figure only equates to an 18-cent saving on a 48-litre keg of mid-strength beer, which is a saving of about one cent per pint for the consumer. Meanwhile, the tax on spirits has been ignored. Prices will rise by another $1.67 per litre of alcohol on Monday as Australia's spirits tax, which is among the highest in the world, hits $105.98. The Australian Distillers Association General Manager, Cameron Mackenzie, says this is 'incredibly disappointing.' Labor Party will put a two-year pause on the biannual indexation of the draught beer excise | Image: Unsplash 'It's not just another tax hike, it's a significant one that distillers and hospitality venues simply can't absorb. In the end, it's customers who'll be left paying more for their favourite spirits,' said Mackenzie. 'The Australian distilled spirits industry drives local manufacturing, creates jobs and boosts tourism and hospitality with 50 per cent of distilleries located in regional communities. This tax hike hits everyone: producers, venues and consumers who'll see higher prices for their favourite gin and tonic.' With the two-year pause, the government will also increase the excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers, and we will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax producer rebate cap to $400,000 from July 1 2026. 'My Government is building Australia's future, and to do that, we need to support our small and medium local businesses to thrive,' said Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 'Freezing the excise on draught beer is a common-sense measure that is good for beer drinkers, good for brewers and good for pubs.' Night Time Industries Association CEO, Mick Gibb | Image: Supplied Night Time Industries Association CEO, Mick Gibb, was blunt in his assessment, asking for equal treatment. 'We're not asking for special treatment, just equal treatment,' he said. 'Freezing the beer excise is a great thing, but we can't leave behind the small bars, live music venues and performance spaces that aren't running beer taps.' 'These smaller venues have been doing it tough for a long, long time. Every time the excise goes up, venues have to make a tough choice – they either try to absorb the flow on the cost of spirits and cut spending on things such as live performances and bands, or they pass it on to price-conscious consumers. It's a lose-lose situation.' 'It's only fair that someone approaching the bar for a gin and tonic, or a premix RTD, gets the same relief,' said a spokesperson for Spirits and Cocktails Australia | Image: Supplied The choice to ignore alcohols other than beer is a strange one at face value, but it becomes even stranger the deeper you look. Research published in The Shout shows RTDs are gaining market share from beer, cider, and wine, at a furious rate, as consumers look for 'healthier' choices at the bar. The research projects the RTD industry to grow 3.5 per cent between 2023-2028 as new and premium products enter the market. 'We support the freeze in place for draught beer, but it's only fair that someone approaching the bar for a gin and tonic, or a premix RTD, gets the same relief,' said a spokesperson for Spirits and Cocktails Australia. 'We are seeing cocktails and RTDs becoming more popular in pubs and clubs across the country. Consumers of these products are already paying more excise per drink than beer drinkers, so we should ensure they aren't left out when the freeze on draught beer comes into effect in August.'
Metro
5 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Empty shops to be turned into clubs and bars under new government plans
New clubs, bars and cafes will be able to set up in disused shops more easily under government plans to revitalise the 'buzz of the high street'. It is hoped the move will mean long-empty storefronts can welcome new owners with less hassle and expense from red tape. Changes to licensing and planning laws would also mean permission for al fresco dining and street parties can be fast-tracked in dedicated 'hospitality zones'. The move has been welcomed by the Night Time Industries Association, which represents nightlife and music venues around the UK. CEO Michael Kill said: 'Fast-tracking permissions for al fresco dining, extending trading hours, and protecting pavement pints are not just regulatory changes, they're a reaffirmation of Britain's social identity and our unique nightlife culture.' The government has also committed to extending the 'Agent of Change' licensing principle to bring it into effect nationally. Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sent every Wednesday. Sign up here. This ensures the responsibility for ensuring residents of a new development are not impacted by noise from local pubs or clubs falls to the developer, and not the businesses themselves. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 'This government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee. 'Red tape has stood in the way of people's business ideas for too long. Today we're slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves added the 'clunky, outdated rules' dictating what firms can open where will be ditched 'not just for the summer, but all year round'. More Trending But Andrew Griffith, the Conservative Shadow Business Secretary, said the move represented 'pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour'. He said: 'This socialist government is crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a Jobs Tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape. 'As the result, shorter opening hours, shedding jobs and expensive pints are becoming the norm.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Young people are falling through the cracks when it comes to sexual abuse and it's killing them MORE: Five key takeaways from landmark report into UK's 'broken' water industry MORE: WH Smiths stores begin reopening as TG Jones on UK high streets
National Geographic
25-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- National Geographic
The UK's nightlife has lost its mojo—can it be saved?
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Nights out have been a staple of British life since the early 20th century, when the country's first nightclubs opened. But in recent years, the country has seen a surge in venue closures, with a study by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) suggesting that there could be no nightclubs by 2030. With a clutch of big openings and a new government taskforce, there are reasons to remain hopeful — but are we witnessing the end of nightlife as we know it? What's the latest? One nightclub is closing around every two days in Britain, according to NTIA data. Since 2020, more than a third of UK nightclubs have shut, totalling around 400 losses. In London, there are now more 24-hour gyms than nightclubs with late-night licences. The main reason is unsurprising: in the current economy, many nightlife venues simply can't afford to keep their doors open. Superclubs, like north London's 15,000-capacity Drumsheds, have been able to survive, partly thanks to being owned and funded by large corporations. But smaller venues are struggling — and this could spell disaster for up-and-coming DJs and bands, left without spaces to hone their craft. Meanwhile, strict licensing laws, which might force venues to close outdoor areas or have reduced hours, are making it increasingly hard for them to operate in a profitable way. Surges in new housing developments near nightlife spaces have only added to this, resulting in rising noise complaints. And on top of all that, attitudes are shifting away from going out, catalysed by the pandemic and rising cost of living. Why are people going out less? With tickets to club nights costing up to £50 and pints averaging over £5, many can't afford to go out any more. On top of this, Gen Z is less interested in enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle. According to 2021 NHS statistics, 38% of 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK don't drink alcohol. Is anything bucking the trend? There may be fewer clubs, but bars are doing well, growing by 5.4% over the past 12 months in Britain, according to NTIA figures. There's also evidence that young people are saving their money for a few nights a year, getting more bang for their buck — whether that's at a day festival, stadium concert or superclub where they can see multiple headliners in one go. From May to September, the UK capital will host at least 35 day festivals, with events like Lido, Polygon Live and SXSW London all new for 2025. 'Day festivals and multipurpose venues are thriving as they tap into that demand for something different — something more social, cultural and immersive,' says Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA. Venues are also innovating, bringing clubbing to a new wave of people, with the likes of DJ Annie Mac's Before Midnight events and sober and wellness-focused nights such as south London's Sauna Social Club, which combines saunas with electronic music. Can UK nightlife bounce back? Like Berlin's Berghain club, which was granted the same lower tax status as the city's concert venues in 2016, nightlife could be granted special protections. Local authorities in Britain are certainly taking note — Greater Manchester, London and Bristol have all appointed Night Time Economy Advisors, allowing nightlife professionals to collaborate with councils. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also just been granted game-changing new powers to overturn licensing decisions, such as early closing hours or restricted outdoor spaces, while a new London Nightlife Taskforce will bring directors of clubs like Fabric together to tackle the issues. In 2025, the capital has seen new arrivals despite recent trends, including Gallery, a 400-capacity venue in Kensington. 'It's sink or swim,' says DJ and promoter Jon Nelmes, who runs Manchester club night Sassafrass. He adds that his local scene is still thriving, partly thanks to new spaces that offer something unique, and points to newcomers like Amber's, which sells £5 tickets and has a no-phones rule. 'Clubbing isn't becoming obsolete — it's evolving,' says Kill. 'UK club culture has always been dynamic. It's survived legal crackdowns, economic downturns and shifting musical landscapes. What we're seeing now is more about transformation than decline.' Despite all the obstacles, it seems that British nightlife isn't going anywhere just yet. Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Almost 1,000 night businesses shut in East of England in five years
Almost 1,000 night-time businesses have closed in the East of England in the past five years, according to the Night Time Industries organisation said in March 2020 there were 7,033 bars, clubs and restaurants across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk - but as of June this year that number had dropped to 6, bar Walkabout and nearby Nightclub Popworld in Chelmsford both announced that they were closing their doors permanently, while Mossy's Nightclub in Lowestoft closed for good in Kill, CEO of the association, said: "We are extremely worried, we definitely know that the late-night economy has been hit very hard." Mr Kill said there were many factors to venues shutting, such as rising operational costs, safety, transport and people lacking a disposable added that a work-from-home culture also led to people being less likely to visit pubs or restaurants on their lunch breaks with their colleagues."We have challenges with travel infrastructure post 11 pm, post midnight," he said. "Safety is a real issue; less police are on the street, and there are more concerns, particularly around the safety of women and girls."There are lots of issues, not just fiscal." 'Young people aren't clubbing' Steve Jason, who has run Peterborough nightclub and venue The Met Lounge since 1999, said there was a lack of interest from young people about going said: "The average age of our club night is probably 30, the majority of clubbing should be 18 to 21 year olds."In the past, the venue was filled with young fans of musicians such as Nirvana, Oasis and The Prodigy. But more recently, the club has put on themed events, such as Disney nights, to draw people in."Nowadays there's no such thing as a club regular... Now we have to diversify and think of different nights because nobody goes to a club four weekends running." "You speak to a lot of businesses, and they say 'oh, it's the cost of living', but no, it's not, Mr Jason said."They're making excuses... A youngster who's 18 years old probably has a subscription for this, a subscription for that- it takes away his or her money."He said young people choose to spend their money differently and saved for big events such as festivals over regular nights out. "Now they're paying for them over six months at £50 a month and that's one festival... You haven't got the money then to do anything else," he added. 'Not enough help' Paul Milsom is the managing director of Milsom Hotels and Restaurants - a family-run business since 1952 with venues in Essex and blamed Brexit, Covid and the cost of living on creating "challenging times" since said: "The challenges economically on all of our businesses are very similar."You have got to be positive to be in our game. But politically, we are not getting much help from anyone."I don't think the industry spends a lot of time crying out for more help; what it actually needs is less intervention by government and less tax burden."A HM Treasury spokesperson told the BBC the government intends to introduce permanently low tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties from next year."We are a pro-business government that is creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field," they added. 'People drink less' Luke Hinton is the director of Juicebox Live, a music promotion company in business books all the live music at venues such as Hertford Corn Exchange and The Horn in St said: "We've been in a fortunate position that we've actually seen an increase in attendance year on year since Covid, but we've noticed that spend per head has decreased at both our venues. "People are spending less, whether it's a health reason or people are generally spending less when they go out, they may be pre-drinking, but I think there is definitely a change in people's behaviours" In August 2024, fans rallied to save Club 85 in Hitchin from closure and redevelopment into flats after the landlord retired. Although the venue is now open until the end of 2025 while its future is negotiated, Mr Hinton warned that many similar venues have already shut due to town centre developments."There's been development, lots of housing and flats in town centres, which then obviously doesn't translate into a positive for nightlife because then the noise complaints come in," he Hinton remained hopeful that people would return to venues if they saw the important role they played in the said: "It's about going out and being around people. I think that's the thing that humans should do, generally, is be in contact with others and socialise."I think that those places and hospitality places are a hub of that." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Metro
18-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
New car-free streets in London 'just the beginning' of summer business boost
Brixton and Shoreditch will get more open-air dining this summer as part of a bid to boost London's hospitality industry. New car-free streets in major hubs such as Leyton and the West End will be a reality this summer, thanks to cash from the Mayor of London's summer streets fund to introduce al fresco dining and later opening hours. Sir Sadiq Khan said he wants to see al fresco dining across London and that these schemes were 'just the beginning'. At St Martin's Lane in the West End, up to 34 businesses will get al fresco licenses, and the street will be car-free from 11 am to 11 pm. In Shoreditch, customers will be able to dine and drink outdoors at bars and restaurants in Rivington Street and Redchurch Street until midnight and have car-free Fridays and Saturdays. In Brixton, businesses on Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road will get 80 extra tables and some 400 extra seats outdoors. The roads will be car-free until 10 pm on selected weekends. In Leyton, there will be extended car-free hours to boost street trading and create a cultural meeting point with seating, outdoor games and a new weekend street market. Hackney and Lambeth councils will get £100,000 each from the fund, while Waltham Forest and Westminster councils will get £50,000 each. Sir Sadiq is due to be granted new licensing powers to intervene and overturn decisions that block pubs and clubs trying to secure longer opening hours and offering outdoor seating. He said: 'The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead. 'London's food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class, and I'm determined to do all I can to help them thrive. 'With new licensing powers granted by the Government being developed, I'm looking forward to doing even more – working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these.' Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, added: 'The launch of al fresco dining in key areas like Brixton, Shoreditch, Leyton and the West End marks the beginning of an important initiative that supports the recovery and long-term growth of London's nightlife and hospitality sector. 'Creating vibrant, accessible outdoor spaces for food, drink and culture is a powerful way to bring communities together and boost local economies. 'We see this as a strong foundation – and hope it will grow into a city-wide movement that helps reshape and revitalise London's nightlife for years to come.' In 2022, a law ensured Brits would be able to enjoy outdoor restaurants for years to come under a Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. More Trending Placing tables and chairs on the streets offered a much-needed lifeline to businesses during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The 'pavement licences' were initially seen as a temporary measure as 10,000 restaurants, bars, and cafes closed, but the al fresco style remained popular after the pandemic. The news was called 'a huge step forward' for businesses that are still struggling to get back to normal months after the country fully opened. It was estimated each outdoor seat could be a boost of up to £6,000-a-year. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Woman, 69, stabbed to death with police hunting for attacker thought to have stolen Rolex MORE: The ultimate guide for travelling on the Tube in a heatwave MORE: I love living in London — but it sucks in the summer
