Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Tuesday 6th October 2020

Nightclubs are an important part of young people’s lives, but it is vital to control the spread of COVID-19. The Government is working to allow nightclubs to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Government understands how important nightclubs are to the health and wellbeing of many young people in particular. They provide space for young people to socialise, but they also provide valuable jobs and are a key contributor to the UK economy.

There are approximately 1400 nightclubs in the UK, employing around 45,000 people, 72% of whom are under the age of 25. Nightclubs are also an important part of domestic tourism, with 10% bar visits and 9% club visits forming part of a city break. In 2019 nightclubs generated income of around £3bn.

However, following the scientific advice, it is vital that the Government does all it can to control the spread of COVID-19, and the nature of nightclubs means that they present a particular risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is primarily because the nightclub experience involves large numbers of people gathering in close proximity to each other, with activities such as loud music and dancing further increasing the risk of transmission.

The Government is working closely with nightclub owners to consider how the risks of COVID-19 transmission associated with nightclubs can be managed so that they can be allowed to reopen as soon as it is safe for them to do so.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy