New organisation has launched to protect nightlife in the UK

With a number of clubs in the UK shutting in the last few months, notably in London, a new organisation's been launched to counteract further closures and highlight the importance of nightlife.

Plastic People and Crucifix Lane are two venues that have closed in the capital, with Fabric also recently threatened with closure, but Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) aims to undertake and publish research to prove to that the late-night industry has plenty of positives concerning "employment, business rates, regeneration of areas and tourism to the UK".

Members of the board include Dance Tunnel's Dan Beaumont and Alex Proud of Proud Group, and another of their goals is to get planning laws changed so venues aren't harmed by redevelopment, also lobbying local and national politicians.

Chairman Alan D Miller, cofounder of East London's Old Truman Brewery, said: "We want to provide a voice for those in the Night Time Industries who range from the single venue operator to those with numerous venues.

"We need our fellow owners and operators to sign up with us so that we can be an even stronger voice in the UK. This is the first step of creating something that can be enormously influential."

The Hydra, Egg London and Fabric are among those with founding members, and NTIA is after more venue owners and operators. Head here if you want to get involved.

[ Via: RA]