Manchester's XLR to become UK's first BYOB-licensed nightclub

Manchester's XLR is set to become the UK's first BYOB-licensed nightclub.

The 200-capacity venue on Wilmslow Road, Withington, will relaunch with a brand new clubbing concept on September 24, allowing punters to bring their own drinks into the venue to consume on the night.

The move comes under the same type of premises license used by BYOB restaurants and cafes.

The XLR team say they want to offer an affordable option to help encourage the area's student clubbers to the venue amid the ongoing cost of living crisis; as a "corkage fee", punters will be able to buy tickets for the venue ranging from £10 - £20, depending on the line-up.

Read this next: How The Cost Of Living Crisis Is Impacting Nightclubs And Promoters

"We've noticed a lot of venues these days are encouraging lower ticket pricing," XLR Booking Manager Chris Hindle tells Mixmag. "Which is great, but then you get to the bar and it’s 12 quid for a double".

"Whereas we're going in the opposite direction: Once you've paid, the night is as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be," he adds.

"Club attendances are so low and student loans are, basically, the same as they were years ago. We're trying to encourage young people to come, experience a grassroots venue and check out some grassroots artists."

Opening from 10:PM until 2:AM from Tuesday to Saturday, XLR has installed lockers for each punter to store alcohol behind its bar to replace fridges, where staff can pour out drinks or issue cans upon request. The venue will still have an operating bar in place, though organisers say the focus will be on attendees bringing along their own drinks.

Support Your Local Club: Shop the Mixmag range here

Three rules are in place to ensure XLR can offer BYOB parties and comply with licensing terms, such as "no glass", "no backpacks", and punters will be unable to re-enter the venue after leaving.

"Obviously, as a lot of this has never been done before, we're sort of writing the blueprint for it," says Hindle. "But every night of the week will be this concept".

Kitted out with a Funktion One soundsystem, XLR is set to welcome the likes of Yung Singh and Bushbaby in the coming weeks - while a few weeks ago, XLR tested out the new concept with a party featuring Main Phase and Frazer Ray. 

For more information and for upcoming line-ups, head to XLR's website.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter