The government has hammered the nighttime economy, but the show must go on, writes Evelina Girling, CEO and co-founder of The London Cabaret Club, in today’s Notebook

Amid bills, taxes and a crumbling nighttime economy, the show must go on

The nighttime economy has faced considerable challenges since we first opened The London Cabaret Club 10 years ago, and today things are no different. The cost of living crisis has hugely hit our industry. Just last year, the Music Venue Trust reported that more than 40 per cent of grassroot music venues were operating at a loss and this will likely have worsened with this year’s National Insurance tax hike sending smaller venues past their tipping point.

Even 10 years ago, rising rents, soaring operational costs and urban gentrification were creating a perfect storm which led to the closure of many iconic clubs and bars, something which was heartbreaking to watch happen in real time. Fast forward a few years and the Covid-19 pandemic was a huge catalyst for many more venues closing permanently. Those that weathered the troubling times reopened at reduced capacity due to social distancing measures – we launched online cabaret........

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