Last orders! Stay-at-home millennials drive number of pubs, bars and clubs with 24-hour alcohol licence down 19% in five years

  • Young adults are now opting to stay in, order a takeaway and watch Netflix  
  • Number of establishments with 24-hour licences fell from 919 in 2013 to 742 
  • Pubs being squeezed by big increases in costs, such as staff and business rates

By SEAN POULTER, CONSUMER AFFAIRS EDITOR

Published: | Updated:

The number of pubs, bars and clubs with a 24-hour alcohol licence has fallen 19 per cent in five years as millennials look for other ways to have fun.

Young adults are drinking less than previous generations, with large numbers apparently opting to stay in, order a takeaway and watch channels such as Netflix.

The number of establishments with 24-hour licences fell from 919 in 2013 to 742 in 2018, according to research by commercial law firm EMW. 

Young adults are drinking less than previous generations, with large numbers apparently opting to stay in

Young adults are drinking less than previous generations, with large numbers apparently opting to stay in

At the same time as they are seeing a drop in custom, pubs are being squeezed by big increases in costs, such as staff and business rates, which have driven many retailers to the wall.

And now, it seems young adults are turning away from drink. 

Some 29 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds described themselves as non-drinkers in 2015, which was up from 18 per cent in 2005, according to research from University College London.

The 24-hour licence was brought in by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2005 amid claims it would create a relaxed approach to alcohol and ‘continental cafe style of drinking culture’. 

The 24-hour licence was brought in by Tony Blair¿s Labour government in 2005

The 24-hour licence was brought in by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2005

EMW’s Marco Mauro said the licences were also ‘expected to boost the night-time economy but this has simply not happened’. 

He added: ‘Cultural changes in the way people interact and socialise, such as through dating apps, and the rise of Netflix, has created less demand for pubs, bars and nightclubs.

‘For most venues the potential extra revenue from staying open 24 hours is still not enough to make those businesses sustainable operations.’ 

The firm’s research also suggested that low real wage growth had dampened consumer spending.

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