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'If downturn continues it'll be RIP for nightclubs'

BBC Mr Odudu has short black hair and is wearing black jumper and is sat on a velvet sofaBBC
Eddie Odudu said it had been the "toughest year in four years" for the industry

A nightclub owner has said if the current decline in the night-time economy continues it will be "RIP" for the businesses.

Eddie Odudu, co-owner of Mcr Lounge in Manchester, said it had been the "toughest year in four years" for the industry.

He blamed the cost of living and said people had less money to spend.

The government said it was acting on the challenges faced by nightclubs.

Silhouettes of people dancing in a nightclub
Club owners have said the cost of living is severely affecting the industry

Figures revealed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) showed 74 nightclubs had closed across north-west England since 2020.

"People haven't got the money they used to have," Mr Odudu said.

"And what is also apparent is that, even on a busy night, the spend per-head has gone down.

"I'm not scaremongering but the rate that they are closing this year, if it keeps going at that rate, that will be it. RIP nightclubs."

Mr Kill is wearing dark rimmed glasses and a black shirt
Michael Kill said nightclub industry should be a priority for the government

NTIA chief executive Michael Kill has called on the government to step in to help.

"I think we have to start really looking at how we can start to build back our night-time economy," he said.

"There's got to be a commitment in terms of transport infrastructure and there's also got to be a commitment in terms of policing.

"We should be a priority for government, both on a local and a national basis."

A government representative said: "Thriving nightclubs are often at the heart of our communities and also play a role in supporting economic growth across the UK.

"That's why it is important for us to act on the challenges they face.

"We've recently taken action on cracking down on late payments and we will reform business rates, to level the playing field for our high streets.

"We'll also do more to tackle anti-social behaviour and empty properties to support entrepreneurship."

In September a new all-night bus service was introduced on the Manchester's Bee Network, as part of a year-long pilot scheme.

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