A flash poll by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has discovered that most on-trade businesses in the UK are ‘barely breaking even or operating at a loss’.
More than 500 night-time economy businesses responded to the poll.
The NTIA has called for an extension to business rates relief in the upcoming budget (30 October) to avoid a ‘seismic collapse’ of the sector.
The organisation also expects the budget to include increases to National Insurance employer contributions, as well as alcohol and fuel duty.
In the previous budget, created by the Conservative government, alcohol duty was frozen until until February 2025. The NTIA described the measures as falling ‘woefully short’.
Michael Kill, CEO, said: “The night-time economy is at a breaking point. Our latest poll clearly shows that without the extension of business rates relief, seven out of 10 businesses will face closure within months.
“The rising costs across the board, including fears of increases to National Insurance, fuel, and alcohol duties, have left the sector struggling to survive. Without urgent intervention, we risk losing a vital part of the UK’s cultural and economic landscape.
“We implore the government to recognise the severity of the situation and extend critical support to ensure the survival of the night-time industry. The time to act is now – before we witness widespread closures and job losses that will devastate communities across the country.”
Earlier this month, the UK introduced a new Employment Rights Bill, which the NTIA said would have a ‘profound effect’ on the on-trade.
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