Michael Kill, the CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), has called on the government to provide support to on-trade businesses that have been forced to shut amid “recent unrest and riots sweeping across the UK”.
There have been riots in more than 20 areas in the UK since three young girls were killed in Southport on 29 July.
Yesterday (7 August), the police prepared for more than 100 gatherings led by the far right, most of which failed to materialise.
However many businesses, including those in the on-trade, were compelled to close their doors. Images on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed businesses in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter with their windows and doors boarded up.
Arch13, a wine and cocktail bar in the area, closed early at 6pm, posting on Instagram: “While it’s absolutely bloody rubbish to have to close for the evening, the safety of our team and customers always comes first. We hope you all understand and we will be back open as normal on Thursday.”
The Church, another venue in the Jewellery Quarter, also closed early. In Bristol, The Volunteer Tavern and Bristol Bear Bar closed for the whole day.
Posting on Instagram, The Volunteer Tavern said: “We will be closing the pub all day out of concern for staff and customers. This is a difficult decision because the goal of terrorists is to spread fear. Closing the pub feels like letting them win.
“But in reality, we recognise that our role as a community pub is to provide a space that spreads love, fights loneliness and builds solidarity. Closing for one day for the safety of our staff and you, our customers, is not letting them win. It is taking the precautions necessary to ensure we can allow our community to thrive.”
Kill has stated that these challenges could mean “millions of pounds could be lost in a matter of days”, and has asked the government to provide financial support and “a clear plan to restore public safety”.
UKHospitality has created a hub to support hospitality businesses through the unrest, including guidelines for protecting staff and property and insurance and financial support in the case of damage.
Although the UK on-trade had a difficult first half of the year, pubs, bars and clubs in the UK saw an uplift of 4.9% in July – the sector’s highest growth since January.
Kill’s full statement can be read below.
If your business has been affected by these events, please get in touch: lauren@thespiritsbusiness.com.
As the CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, I am compelled to address the escalating concerns regarding the safety of our staff and customers amid the recent unrest and riots sweeping across the UK.
The night-time economy – comprising bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues – has always been a vibrant and vital part of our communities, bringing people together, providing joy, entertainment, and significant economic contributions.
The surge in violence and disturbances in various cities has caused immediate physical damage and led to numerous closures, severely impacting trade. Many businesses now face an uncertain future, with long-term financial repercussions looming large. The damages sustained and the subsequent loss of trade are significant blows to a sector that has already endured tremendous challenges over the past few years. Millions of pounds could be lost in a matter of days as businesses are forced to close in fear of damage and threats to public safety.
The safety of our staff and customers is paramount. We urge the authorities to take decisive action to restore order and ensure the protection of everyone within the night-time economy. Our workers should not have to fear for their safety when coming to their place of employment, and our patrons should be able to enjoy their evenings out without the threat of violence.
We call on local and national governments to provide immediate support to affected businesses. This includes financial assistance to repair damages, a clear plan to restore public safety, and measures to prevent future unrest. It is crucial that we work together to ensure our sector can recover and continue to thrive.
The night-time economy is resilient, but we cannot do this alone. The long-term impact of these disturbances could be devastating if we do not act swiftly and decisively. We must prioritise the safety and security of our communities to ensure that our beloved venues can continue to be places of enjoyment and social connection.
We stand united with our staff, patrons, and fellow business owners during these challenging times. Together, we will work towards a safer, more secure environment for everyone involved in the night-time economy.
