{"id":34668,"date":"2016-12-05T08:34:24","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T08:34:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jomec.co.uk\/altcardiff\/?p=34668"},"modified":"2016-12-05T08:34:24","modified_gmt":"2016-12-05T08:34:24","slug":"in-depth-the-war-on-clubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2016\/12\/05\/in-depth-the-war-on-clubs\/","title":{"rendered":"In depth: The war on clubs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Underground music venues in and around Cardiff may need to re-think their strategies as as they could be in danger of closing down<\/strong><\/p>\n

An array of underground music venues in Cardiff open their doors to electronic music lovers as the sun goes down and Cardiff\u2019s youth get ready for the night\u2019s descent. Featuring various genres such as house, techno and drum and bass, experimental and passionate DJs take the stage to enchant the crowd until they\u2019re lost in the music.<\/p>\n

\"Gethin

Fabric, one of Britain\u2019s best known night clubs has recently re-opened its doors to eager London ravers after Islington Council revoked their license earlier this year. The club originally closed following the drug-related deaths of two young men which has prompted concern for the future of the UK club scene; Including underground music event co-ordinators and club owners in Cardiff.<\/p>\n

In an annual review issued by the Office for National Statistics in Newport, it was concluded that in in recent years the number of night clubs in Britain has declined, with many high profile closures. Consumer price index statistician Phil Gooding believes that the number of night clubs that don\u2019t charge entry fees is the reason so many clubs are closing.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), who examine the latest issues affecting licensed hospitality reported that the number of clubs across the country has dropped by almost 50% since 2005. Kate Nicholls, CEO of the ALMR explains, \u201cOur thriving nightclubs are increasingly finding themselves at risk of closure because of voracious local authorities.<\/p>\n

Pointing the finger<\/strong><\/p>\n

New, \u2018upmarket\u2019 club Platform 11 has recently opened its doors to breathe life in to the Valleys club scene and cater to underground music lovers in South Wales. Owner of Platform 11, Craig Mead believes Cardiff has many successful underground music events and venues such as Memorax and Delete and aims to host equally successful nights. However, Craig has experienced problems with the Council regarding referring to the club as an \u2018underground venue.\u2019<\/p>\n

Craig explains, \u201cI think the whole industry was shocked when Fabric closed because it\u2019s been such an institution for many people including myself!\u201d He continues, \u201cIf this can happen to such a big club, it makes me less confident there is still hope for the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

With many clubs turning the lights on for the last time in recent years, it has led to people blaming their local councils for the decline in underground music venues and events. Cardiff DJ Alex McDonough says, \u201cThe reason underground clubs are in danger of being closed down is because there is extreme pressure being imposed by and local councils and other governing bodies. He continued, \u201cIt would worry me if the council were on my case, especially after what happened to Fabric.\u201d<\/p>\n

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