Why clubs keep getting more expensive

ONE · THE NIGHT

Venues are barely breaking even

Grassroots venues are operating on margins of just 2.5%. More than half made no profit at all last year. So when rent, staff or energy costs rise, there isn’t much cushion. Eventually that increase ends up on the ticket.

Promoters can’t afford an empty room anymore

Artist fees have climbed so much that some promoters now budget around selling almost every ticket. An empty corner of the room can be the difference between making money and losing it. The pressure is showing. One in four late-night venues in Britain has closed since 2020.

Same drinks, same journey home, 50% more. Venues are barely breaking even. Promoters can’t afford an empty room anymore.