More than half of nightclubs and late bars in Britain fear going bust within months after dismal festive season

MORE than half the nightclubs and late bars in the country fear going bust within months after a dismal festive season.

A survey found 55 per cent say they will have to shut by April unless they get government help.

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Bosses blamed sales slumps of up to 30 per cent on rail strikes, taxes and high energy bills.

The Night Time Industries Association quizzed 453 bosses.

More than eight in 10 (82.9%) called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to slash VAT for hospitality, reform business rates (57.1%) and provide more support with energy bills (32.9%).

Almost a fifth (18.8%) reported a drop in revenue of up to 20% in the important trading months of October, November and December.

And 13% said trade was down by up to 30% in the final quarter – described as “alarming” by the NTIA.

Chief Michael Kill said: “The night-time economy is grappling with unpredictable consumer behaviour, financial challenges and the limited sustainability of businesses without support.

“It is imperative we address these issues.”

A separate study found a 50 per cent rise in boozy brunches and daytime drinking — with many blaming the difficulty of getting home late due to transport industrial action.

Many blamed the death of painting the town red on repeated walkouts by public transport workers – meaning it is tricky to get home late at night.

The number of Brits going out after 8pm has plummeted by 7% in the past year, said research firm CGA.

And those heading to pubs between 5pm and 8pm fell by 5%.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk