Young people are being ‘priced out of nightlife’

Everyone knows that young people aren’t going out anymore. But while it’s often assumed that Gen Z are a generation of boring homebodies, now, new research from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has highlighted the real reasons behind the declining number of young clubbers.

The study was conducted by Obsurvant on behalf of the NTIA and spoke to 2,001 people in the UK aged between 18 and 30.

The findings show that 68 per cent of the young people surveyed said that they had stopped going out so much as a result of the current economic climate, while 53 per cent now spend less on going out compared to this time last year.

According to the figures, 61 per cent of participants are going out less frequently compared to last year, with just 16 per cent saying they go out more after 10pm.

Some added that they were reluctant to go out due to safety concerns, with over a third saying that they felt prone to fear, anxiety, uneasiness or unsafe when going out at night. Just under 70 per cent added that better late-night transport options would encourage them to stay out later.

Over 50 per cent felt the government would not address their concerns.

The NTIA is calling on the government to take steps to help young people feel more able to go out, including installing enhanced street lighting and safer transport options, extending public transport hours and running more frequent services, lowering late-night travel costs, and bolstering security.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “The results of this research confirm what we in the industry have been warning about for years — young people are being priced out of nightlife, and safety concerns are keeping them at home. The UK’s night-time economy is a vital cultural and economic force, yet we are seeing a generation disengage due to systemic issues that must be addressed. If we do not act now to improve safety and transport infrastructure, we risk further decline in the sector and the social and economic benefits it brings.”

“We call on policymakers to prioritise investment in safer streets, improved transport networks, increased policing at night, and financial support for venues to keep nightlife vibrant, accessible, and safe for all.”