Over 80 percent of nightclubs in the UK 'will not survive the month', it has been claimed.
A new survey by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has shown the truly dire circumstances many venues and businesses find themselves in due to lockdown.
According to the reports, 81 percent of nightclubs believe they will not last beyond February if they do not receive more support from the UK government.
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The NTIA surveyed 100 venues in the UK about how they are dealing with the pandemic and the continuing state of lockdown the country finds itself in.
It states that 88 percent of Nightclubs are in over two months of rent arears, with 50 percent in over three.
The financial hardship has, unsurprisingly, had a direct impact on jobs, with 86 percent of nightclubs having to make redundancies over the past year, and 65 percent cutting staff by 60 percent.
Speaking about the report, Michael Kill, the CEO of NTIA said it was now or never for the industry if it is going to survive in the long term.
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He said: "We are on the cusp of losing a cultural institution, the Government has ignored the sector and failed to recognise its economic and cultural value.
"We are a world leader in electronic music and clubs - and have been a breeding ground for contemporary music talent, events and DJs for decades. Nightclubs have made a huge contribution to our culture sector and are renowned globally.
"Throughout this Pandemic and the restrictive measures levied against the sector, it is clear that these businesses are being systematically eradicated from society.
"As they continue to be excluded from the narrative of press announcements and planning, and through misconceptions and misguided understanding of the sector, from age old stereotyping the sector has been given little or no opportunity to re engage even with very clear ability to open spaces safely."
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Graeme Park, a musician from Manchester, urged the government to do more to help businesses struggling desperately to make ends meet.
He said: "It is highly frustrating and disappointing that the Government continue to ignore and dismiss the valuable contribution that nightclubs have on society and the economy.
"The cultural significance of this vibrant and varied sector has given employment to many for decades and now faces an uncertain future.
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"We need the government to enter into meaningful discussion to help support a sector that is recognised around the world for its creativity before it's too late."
This was echoed by Drew Burke, director of Hangar in Birmingham.
He said: "Being the fourth biggest employer in the UK, the hospitality industry accounts for over thre millions jobs, generating over £70billion of gross added directly to the UK economy with the umbrella effect providing trade for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, salons, taxi services which many now sit redundant.
"This has effected not only business owners but staff who depend on their wages, breweries who provide beverages to venues, the customer who craves for social interaction and a release of work and home life duties, and so forth creating a huge domino effect what isn't being fixed. "
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