A top Bristol nightclub has called for more Government support after industry experts warned 2021 could see the "extinction" of late-night venues.
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has issued a stark warning that 80 per cent of UK clubs could close by the end of February unless there is urgent action.
The organisation made the announcement after carrying out a survey of more than 100 nightclubs, which revealed some "catastrophic results".
Its research found 88 per cent of UK nightclubs are in rent arrears by more than two months, with 50 per cent in arrears by over three months.
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Further, it unearthed the fact 86 per cent of nightclubs have made redundancies as a result of the prolonged period of closure, while 43 per cent have not received any grant support from the Government.
Martin Page, co-director of renowned Bristol venue Motion, said the industry needs "one final boost of support" from the Government for it to weather the storm.
"With the majority of late-night venues being forced to close for nearly 12 months, the Government needs to step up with a continuation of its support packages set out some time ago," he told Bristol Live.
"To give the many struggling venues a fighting chance of survival in 2021, we should see extensions of the VAT reduction, business rate deferral, a restock of Covid council grant availability and a fresh recovery grant from the Arts Council and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
"We need a road map with a minimum of 14 days’ notice to help us with planning to reopen. The time seems right as the roll-out of the vaccinations gathers momentum and the weather improves.
"We simply need one final boost of support from the chancellor to ensure that nightlife in Bristol and throughout the country doesn’t crash and burn at the last hurdle, which would be devastating following the hard work and dedication that has gone into keeping things afloat throughout the past year."
Martin added he is in a "positive mood" despite the challenges and is hopeful of being able to host outdoor summer parties at the St Philip's club this year, albeit with reduced capacities and social distancing potentially still in place.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, said the country is "on the cusp of losing a cultural institution" as the Government has "ignored the sector and failed to recognise its economic and cultural value".
