Nightlife in Brixton has been declining at an alarming rate but businesses within the area are keen to solve this by addressing the issue at its root cause.
The Brixton Improvement District (Brixton BID) and associated businesses highlighted key issues for nightlife in Brixton being the cost of living crisis, higher operating costs, and a shift towards planned social activities.
These problems were said to be exacerbated by gentrification within Brixton, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.
The Courtesan courtier Hammant Patel Villa said: “I think the government has been at fault for harming hospitality and not understanding who we employ and how many people are employed in the industry.
“Many closures mean that it feels more negative. People aren’t as happy in the space they live and work in.”
The Satay Bar owner Elly Foster emphasised the need for targeted support for independent businesses.
She said: “Whilst I agree with the new legislation that the government is going to bring in regarding the minimum wage, I think there are certainly bigger companies and bigger fish to fry where they could gain a lot of extra taxation rather than the burden being placed on smaller, independent businesses.”
Watch the video below for the full report.
Featured image credit: Isabella Mendes via https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-people-doing-cheers-1304475/
Join the discussion