NIGHT Online News Archive

Latest Headlines

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• SNP's alcohol policy may prove "contrary to European law"
The Scottish government’s plan to introduce a minimum price on units of alcohol is likely to break European laws, according to a legal firm with expertise in EU law. Read more...

• Wetherspoons reports steady profits
Pubs group JD Wetherspoon posted slightly higher interim results and sales today and said it continues to trade well, with like-for-like sales climbing 1.9 percent. Read more...

• New venue in landmark Leeds building
One of Yorkshire’s most celebrated chefs opened his latest venture at the Leeds Corn Exchange with the help of independent interior designers Ward Robinson. Read more...

• Inside Out to host 'Milan in London' launch
Club and bar furniture specialists Inside Out will showcase new ranges of bespoke and off-the-shelf furniture to suit every kind of settings, from boutique bar to warehouse rave. Read more...

• Clubs brace for 2010 rating revaluation
Business rates specialist Gerald Eve is advising ratepayers in the nightclubs sector to start planning now for the 2010 rating revaluation. Read more...

• Pitcher-perfect style returns to Nottingham
Nottingham-based interior architects and designers Macaulay Sinclair have brought the city’s 322-year old former Unitarian Church right up to date. Read more...

• Scottish Government's alcohol strategy unveiled
Scotland's minority SNP government will introduce a new minimum price per alcohol unit, amid a raft of new measures to tackle alcohol abuse and related disturbances Read more...

• Club culture goes under the hammer
Artcore is a new exhibition at the Ultralounge at Selfridges London, celebrating the best of clubbing culture of the last twenty years, soon to be auctioned. Read more...

• MEN Arena is UK touring industry's favourite venue
The Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester has picked up the Favourite Venue award at the recent Total Production international awards. Read more...

• Scottish government shelves hard-line alcohol proposals
The Scottish National Party is to down-scale its hard-line review of licensing laws following complaints from the drinks industry. Read more...

• Government Advisory Council advises reclassification of MDMA
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has recommended further research into the harms of MDMA . Read more...

• Nottingham Playhouse to stay open
Specialist leisure firm Aquaclear Leisure Ltd has taken over the bar, restaurant and deli at Nottingham Playhouse, saving around 30 jobs. Read more...

• Band on the Wall gears up for September launch
Hotly anticipated Manchester venue Band on the Wall is gearing up for a September launch with announcements of a newly appointed CEO and Music Programmer. Read more...

• BII launches business helpline for licensees
The new service will complement BII’s existing range of helplines, which already provide advice and guidance to members on a daily basis. Read more...

• MPs rally against proposed beer tax increases
More than 100 MPs have appealed to the government to abandon plans to increase beer tax in its 2009-10 budget Read more...

• Legendary Belfast venue to close
Classic Belfast venue Milk is to close its doors after ten years of serving high-end dance and R‘n’B to the Cathedral Quarter crowds. Read more...

• Lace Market bars to get facelift
Marston’s PLC to give the Pitcher & Piano and Bluu bar brasserie thorough re-designs during the first quarter of 2009. Read more...

• Crazy Bear Group buys iconic club purchase
Davenport Lyons has acted for Crazy Bear Group owner Jason Hunt in his purchase of London private member’s club Hurst House. Read more...

• Manumission cancel Astoria closing party
The planned finale for the London Astoria has had to be cancelled due to the relatively short planning time. Read more..

• BSIA launch 'Leisure Industry Security Section'
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has hosted the inaugural meeting of its Leisure Industry Security Section. Read more...

• Drinking banning orders to be introduced this summer
From next summer, drinking banning orders will allow police to prohibit clubbers convicted of alcohol-related crime from entering premises. Read more...

• Liverpool Council trials Know Your Limits texting campaign
Anti-binge drinking messages are being sent to drinkers in Liverpool city centre via Bluetooth technology to their mobile phones. Read more...

• Increased interest in buying nightclubs
Nightclub and licensed venue property agent Fleurets has reported that both enquiries and viewings for venues rose at the end of 2008. Read more...

• JD Wetherspoon introduces new pricing scheme
JD Wetherspoon will introduce today a new drinks pricing scheme that includes pints of beer for under a pound. Read more...

• ADZs 'unworkable'
The Home Office has confirmed to a Sunday newspaper that no Alcohol Disorder Zones have been used since they were introduced early last year. Read more...

• Crazy Bear Group buys iconic club purchase
Davenport Lyons has acted for Crazy Bear Group owner Jason Hunt in his purchase of London private member’s club Hurst House. Read more...

• Manumission cancel Astoria closing party
The planned finale for the London Astoria has had to be cancelled due to the relatively short planning time. Read more..

• BSIA launch 'Leisure Industry Security Section'
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has hosted the inaugural meeting of its Leisure Industry Security Section. Read more...

• Increased interest in buying nightclubs
Nightclub and licensed venue property agent Fleurets has reported that both enquiries and viewings for venues rose at the end of 2008. Read more...

• JD Wetherspoon introduces new pricing scheme
JD Wetherspoon will introduce today a new drinks pricing scheme that includes pints of beer for under a pound. Read more...

• ADZs 'unworkable'
The Home Office has confirmed to a Sunday newspaper that no Alcohol Disorder Zones have been used since they were introduced early last year. Read more...

• January launch for Clapham's Aquum
18 December 2008: Situated in the heart of Clapham, Aquum will boast all the qualities of a West End Style Club and a unique friendly vibe. Read more...

• Club promoters association launches with awards bash
18 December 2008: The VIP Club Promoters Association will mark its December launch with an 'End of the Year Awards 2008' ceremony. Read more...

• UK will keep the pint
17 December 2008: A European parliamentary decision today will allow an indefinite extension to the UK's obligation to change to a metric system. Read more...

• Lewis Hamilton promotes safe transport for clubbers
16 December 2008: Lewis Hamilton and Mika Häkkinen have taken to the streets in London Cabs to reinforce the Johnnie Walker's campaign to get clubbers home safely. Read more...

• Smokeless E-cigarettes arrive in UK
15 December 2008: Sottera Inc has granted UK distribution rights of it's E-Cigarette NPRO to Manchester-based NJOY UK Ltd. Read more...

• Spearmint Rhino Brighton refits with EV
14 December 2008 A new Electro-Voice foreground and background sound system installation is boosting the customer experience at Brighton's Spearmint Rhino Rouge. Read more...

• Redchurch redecorates and relaunches
8 December 2008: The Redchurch bar, a staple venue of the Hoxton and Shoreditch scene, has been redecorated and relaunched for 2009. Read more...

• No. 1 Leicester Square reopens as Vertigo
6 December 2008: No.1 Leicester Square is recognised as one of the most famous clubbing sites in London. Read more...

• Couture Clubbing wins Big Leap
5 December 2008: Clubbing clothing brand Couture Clubbing has won The Big Leap 2008, an award scheme developed by business consultants Striding Out. Read more...

• Glade looks for new home
5 December 2008: Promoters of the Glade Festival have announced they are looking for a new home after new noise level restrictions were issued by Berkshire Council. Read more...

• Portman Group encourage 'irresponsible advertising' complaints
1 December 2008: Drinks industry body The Portman Group has launched a press campaign encouraging consumers to complain about irresponsible drinks promotions Read more...

• The Metro to close
1 December 2008: Feted Oxford Street nightclub The Metro is being forced to close because of the terms of the Crossrail Act. Read more...

• Carling Academy venues renamed
6 November 2008: AMG’s nationwide portfolio of Carling Academy venues will be rebranded as O2 Academy venues from January 2009. Read more...

• Partnership pays off in Edinbugh
6 November 2008: A nightclub partnership in Edinburgh has reported a 21% reduction in crime, vindicating the partnership and self-regulation approach. Read more...

• Paul Oakenfold Interviewed
4 November 2008: NIGHT Editor Rachel Esson speaks to Paul Oakenfold at PLASA as he test-drives his specially designed Lite Console DJ. Read more...

• Reproduced Sound returns
2 November 2008: Reproduced Sound conference will be held 20 to Friday 21 November 2008 at Brighton's Barcelo Old Ship Hotel. Read more...

• An answer to the smoking ban?
31 October 2008: United Drinks and Beauty Corporation are launching ‘Liquid Smoking’, a canned softdrink aiming to replicate all the charms of smoking. Read more...

• Pubs failing at 'alarming rate'
21 October 2008: Nick Harvey has pointed to deep discounting on alcohol in off licences as a cause for the decline of British pubs. Read more...

• Leaf Tea Shop and Bar relocates
17 October 2008: Leaf Tea Shop and Bar is to re-open within Liverpool's famous Elevator buildings, the artistic home of many Merseyside acts including The Zutons. Read more...

• Are we more continental?
16 October 2008: British drinkers are embracing European habits such as double-kissing, an interest in continental foods and drinks as well as using foreign words. Read more...

• Major new Live venue for Cardiff
14 October 2008: Sub Live Ltd have announced the launch of their first live music venue, SUB29. Read more...

• Safe, Sensible, Social consultation period draws to an end
13 October 2008: Aspects of the Home Office and The Department of Health’s alcohol strategy – Safe Sensible Social - were issued to licensees this weekend. Read more...

• Streamlined Applications for SIA badge
10 October 2008: Applicants applying for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence will benefit from new, streamlined criminality criteria checks. Read more...

• DJ Award Winners 2008 announced
8 October 2008: Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Richie Hawtin, Steve Lawler, David Guetta, Adam Beyer, Sasha and Jazzanova won at this year's DJ Awards in Ibiza. Read more...

• AMG plan £4.5m club in Leeds
19 September 2008: Academy Music Group have announced plans for a second venue in Leeds, situated directly below the main Academy. Read more...

• Bloc get new SE1 licence
16 September 2008: Rave brand Bloc will launch in a newly licensed system of arches near London Bridge on 20 September 2008. Read more...

• Portobello Star relaunch
14 September 2008: Following a takeover by independent bar operators Leelex Ltd, Notting Hill’s Portobello Star has undergone an extensive refurbishment. Read more...

• Voodoo Dolls Protect Their Mojo
12 September 2008: New South Woodford venue forced Voodoo Doll Ltd to protect their trade mark rights for their club brand Mojo. Read more...

• Lap Dancing Association awards night looms
10 September 2008: Had a particularly good lap dance this year? Don't miss your chance to proudly nominate her for this year's Lap Dancing Association (LDA) awards. Read more...

• Classic Glasgow venue for sale
10 September 2008: Archaos, which rose to fame in the early nineties as part of the G1 Group's portfolio, has been put on the market for over £6m. Read more...

• Clubber spends £100k in one night
3 September 2008: If there is an official record for the most expensive round ever purchased, it has probably now been broken. Read more...

• Legendary London club announces closure
2 September 2008: The operators of The End & AKA have announced the sale of the legendary venue, which will host its final nights on 23-24 January 2009 Read more...

• New venue Cube celebrates phase one of Liverpool development
1 September 2008: The first stage of Liverpool’s Concert Steps development was heralded this weekend with a huge opening party at new club Cube. Read more...

• Calls for tougher lapdancing rules
31 August 2008: Two women's rights groups have called for tougher licensing rules for lap dancing clubs in a letter to the Times newspaper. Read more...

• Arctic Monkeys buy venue
29 August 2008: Sheffield pub and bar owners will be given a run for their money this autumn as Arctic Monkey's drummer and former bassist go into business. Read more...

• London Assembly launch underage drinking study
29 August 2008: Londoners are to be quizzed on their experiences of young people's drinking habits in a study of the alcohol consumption habits of teenagers. Read more...

• New Details On £4.5m Leeds Academy
31 July 2008: Academy Music Group has today announced further details of its thirteenth live music venue, opening autumn 2008 Read more...

• Ministry of Sound Group Rebrands
27 July 2008: Ministry Of Sound Group is now the MSHK Group, reflecting the status of clubbing brand HedKandi within the group's diverse portfolio Read more...

• Club Night Claims Official Religion Status To Evade Council
27 July 2008: Popular hard dance night Frenzy has claimed the status of an official religion in order to get around Bournemouth council's flyering rules Read more...

• Does Louder Music Make People Drink More?
24 July 2008: Customers of bars that play loud music drink more quickly and in fewer gulps, French researchers said on Friday Read more...

• Drinks Industry Calls for Improved Alcohol Education
23 July 2008: Representatives of the UK’s drinks industry have appealed to the government to provide better education in a bid to curb excessive drinking Read more...

• Dept Of Health Announces New Alcohol Consultation
22 July 2008: A new government consultation on England's drinking culture has been announced today by Health Minister Dawn Primarolo Read more...

• Cream And Ingenious Renew Partnership
16 July 2008: Patrick McKenna’s investment and advisory group firm Ingenious has renewed its long-term relationship with dance music brand Cream Read more...

• Further Enforcement Initiatives Announced In Scotland
16 July 2008: Police forces across Scotland are to begin a crackdown on alcohol-related crime over the summer holidays Read more...

• Aberdeen Nightclubs Consider Action Over Curvew Proposals
16 July 2008: Nightclub owners in Aberdeen will consider legal action against the city’s licensing board if a planned curfew on entry to clubs goes ahead next year Read more...

• £100m Initiative Will Tackle Alcohol Crime Among Children
15 July 2008: Tackling underage drinking and alcohol related violence in minors will form part of a new £100m package of initiatives Read more...

• AMG Acquires New Birmingham Venue
15 July 2008: Academy Music Group (AMG) has purchased the 'Dome' on Bristol Street, Birmingham, for development as a premier live entertainment venue Read more...

• Second Quarter Has Been Tough, Say Luminar
15 July 2008: Venue refurbishment, unpredictable weather and the lack of a national team in the Euro 2008 competition have contributed to a decline in footfall Read more...

• New Details On Fabric's Sister Venue
4 July 2008: Fabric’s sister venue will be a 2,600 capacity super venue, intended to be one of the best nightclubs for its size in the world Read more...

• Safer Doors 2008 Announced
4 July 2008: The fourth national conference specifically for the door supervision industry will be held on Wednesday 15 October Read more...

• 750,000 Hazardous Drinkers in South West
3 July 2008: Nearly 25% of 16 to 64-year-olds in the South West - about 750,000 people - are classed as "hazardous" drinkers, according to new figures. Read more...

• Beach Party Cancels in The Face Of Unprecedented Alcohol Ban
3 July 2008: Police officers and council in Torbay have caused a beach party to be cancelled after placing a blanket ban on alcohol sales. Read more...

• Big Dance 08 Culminates in 'Silent Rave'
2 July 2008: Jazzie B, legendary producer and founding member of Soul II Soul, will be hosting a silent disco in Trafalgar Square from 6pm on Sunday 6 July. Read more...

• Club4Climate Launch London Venue
27 June 2008: Environmental campaigners Club4Climate have announced the launch of a new venue, Surya, billed as one of the world’s first fully ‘ecological’ clubs. Read more...

• Noctis And Diageo To Collaborate On Shine Events
20 June 2008: noctis will partner with Diageo to host four events aimed at supporting corporate social responsibility within the late night entertainment sector. Read more...

• New Age Limit Pilots Successful
20 June 2008: The pilot schemes raising the minimum purchasing age of alcohol have proved successful according to police statistics in Scotland. Read more...

• PBR Plan New Living Room Venues
19 June 2008: Premium Bars and Restaurants will open two new incarnations of their super premium bar brand this summer in the face of market caution. Read more...

• Know Your limits Launch New Hard Hitting Campaign
19 June 2008: A £4m ad campaign warning 18 to 24 year-olds about the dangers of binge-drinking has been launched by the government today. Read more...

• New Legal Age For Scottish Off Trade?
17 June 2008: The Scottish Government today opened consulation on proposals to tackle alcohol misuse with the aim of changing Scotland's relationship with drink. Read more...

• New NHS Drugs Advice For Nightclubs
6 June 2008: NHS specialists are offering nightclub operators and staff guidance on intervention and medical care for suspected drug abusers. Read more...

• Fabric Team Announce New Venue Details
5 June 2008: Keith Reilly and Cameron Leslie, operators of London club legend Fabric, have confirmed that they will open a new venue in the O2. Read more...

• Creamfields Partners With Liftshare.com
4 June 2008: Creamfields has teamed up with Liftshare.com, a company whose aim is to make people aware and travel efficient, in a bid for 'greeness'. Read more...

• Know Your limits Launch £6m 'Units' Campaign For 2008/09
2 June 2008: A new 'Units' campaign to tell drinkers how many units are in their drinks has been launched by Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo. Read more...

• Regal Boost for Oxford Live Scene
30 May 2008: New live venue and club regal has opened in Oxford, a few blocks down Cowley Road rom the newly redeveloped Zodiac. Read more...

• Best Bar None Win for Tiger Tiger
22 May 2008: Novus Leisure's Tiger Tiger voted Best Club at the Manchester Best Bar None Awards held at the Hilton Hotel on 18 May 2008. Read more...

• PBR Relocates to Manchester
1 May 2008: Premium Bars & Restaurants (PBR) has announced that it will relocate its head office to Manchester to reflect the recent transformation of the business Read more...

• 130 Smokers Fined in Northern Ireland
30 April 2008: Northern Ireland Assembly reports that 150 smokers have been fined and thousand warned since the smoking ban was introduced a year ago Read more...

• Third Urban Leisure Venue Opens in Golden Square
28 April 2008: Urban Leisure Group have unveiled their latest venue - Graphic - a new cocktail bar that's due to open mid May in London's Golden Square Read more...

• MAMA Release Financial Results
25 April 2008: After an acquisitive year MAMA Group Plc, owners of the Barfly chain of live venues, release their financial results for the six month period to 31 January Read more...

• Cavendish Buys 26 Units From Luminar
21 April 2008: Luminar Group Holdings Plc has agreed to transfer 26 units to Cavendish Bars Limited completing the streamlining of the group to 90 core units Read more...

• Landmark Relaunch Edinburgh's Tonic
16 April 2008: Edinburgh based leisure company Landmark Pub Company has re-launched its flagship style bar Tonic in Edinburgh’s cocktail heartland Read more...