Iconic late night venues could close forever if the government doesn't act to save them says one nightclub boss.

Nightclub manager, Jordan Craine says more venues at the heart of Kent's late night economy could permanently close if the government doesn't act now.

Mr Craine, general manager at ATIK Dartford, says the county is at risk of losing some of its most iconic venues following the delay of freedom day.

He added: "Having been closed for almost 16 months, we are very disappointed by yesterday’s decision.

"The late night sector, including clubs like ours in Kent, urgently needs additional financial support from the Treasury.

"Unlike other parts of hospitality, we have not been allowed to trade. Despite the fact that we have no income coming in, we have rates to pay.

"Furlough is coming to an end and landlords that will want paying when the moratorium on rents ends later this month.

"If the government doesn’t act now, we stand to lose more of our iconic late night venues that have been at the heart of local late night economies for years.”

Although the Covid-19 restrictions still have clubbing postponed, ATIK has managed to open its doors as a 'night pub' instead.

However, the ‘night pub’ concept is not a sustainable solution, ATIK has explained it simply helps to offset a fraction of their overheads

In a statement posted on the clubs Facebook ATIK explained: "It’s not the news we wanted however we are staying positive and hope to be back very soon!

"All ticket holders that have purchased tickets for events between Monday 21st June & Sunday 18th July will be contacted via email within the next 48 hours.

"In the meantime, we will continue to open with our Pub In A Club sessions until we can return to the dancefloor properly."

The news comes after Boris Johnson delayed June 21's so-called 'Freedom Day' by four weeks.

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