FOI - Nightclubs and bars in London [Feb 2023]

Your request

Please provide:

1. The number of nightclubs and bars in the governing area. 
2. The number of nightclubs and bars closed between March 2020 and March 2022. 
3. The names of the nightclubs and bars which closed down. 
4. The average revenue the nightlife industry brings from said operating bars and nightclubs to the local economy. 
5. The amount of large music festivals held in the area. 

Our response

Part 1
This information is scheduled to be published shortly. Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides an exemption for information that is intended to be published in the future. Information is exempt if, at the time when the public authority receives a request for it:

• the public authority holds the requested information;
• the public authority intends the information to be published at some future date, whether that date is determined or not; and
• in all the circumstances it is reasonable to withhold the information until its planned publication.

Section 22 acknowledges that public authorities must have freedom to be able to determine
their own publication timetables. This allows them to deal with the necessary preparation,
administration and context of publication. It is however necessary to consider whether the
public interest in maintaining the exemption (and withholding the information until the
publication date), is greater than the public interest in releasing the information before this
date. In this instance, it is felt that there is a greater public interest for the GLA to keep to its original timetable of disclosure.

The London Datastore holds datasets on pubs, grassroots music venues, music venues and LGBTQ+ night-time venues. These venues may also have a bar function. 

Information on nightclubs will be published on the London Datastore in Spring 2023.

Grassroots music venues, music venues and LGBTQ+ night-time venues will also be provided at this time. 

Part 2 
Information on nightclubs will be published on the London Datastore in Spring 2023. This data will also show closed venues, but not the date which they closed. 

Part 3
Information on nightclubs will be published on the London Datastore in Spring 2023. This data will also show the names of closed venues, but not the date which they closed. 

Part 4 - 5
The GLA does not hold the information within scope of this part of your request. The GLA is 
London's strategic government and does not operate in the same way as local Borough 
Councils.

We therefore do not hold the information you have requested and you would need to contact the individual local Borough Councils.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact us, quoting
reference MGLA280223-1391.