Pryzm Watford owner says there is clear demand for return to clubs

The quarterly poll by REKOM UK, which operates the venue, revealed 94 per cent of people aged 18 to 30 plan to head to late night venues once lockdown restrictions are lifted next Monday (July 19).

The survey intended to track changing nightlife consumer habits, particularly after nightclubs have been shut since the first lockdown.

While many clubs were able to operate under limited capacity as a socially distanced bar, it has not been sustainable for revenue.

Pryzm Watford during the Euro 2020 final (Photo: Joseph Reaidi)

According to the survey, more than a fifth of people intend to return as soon as possible, and more than a half say they will return within a month of reopening.

Of those surveyed, more than one in five have never been clubbing due to being under 18 when the pandemic first began.

Pryzm Watford’s general manager, Jason Ash, said: “Young people have spoken; it’s clear that there is huge demand for clubs to reopen so that they can get back to enjoying themselves after all this time.

“This is reflected in our ticket sales, as we have sold out many of our nights and have laid on extra events to cope with demand.”

In terms of Covid, just over half of respondents (51.2 per cent) said they would feel comfortable going to a club operating within government guidance.

However just yesterday, REKOM UK chief executive Peter Marks said it will defy Government guidance and reopen its clubs without people needing vaccine passports.

At the Downing Street press conference on Monday Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged venues to use the vaccine passport scheme “as a matter of social responsibility”.

In a poll conducted by the Watford Observer with 358 people, 72 per cent said that clubs should reopen with vaccine passports, while 28 per cent said that the scheme would only ruin the enjoyment.

Mr Ash said: “It is clear there is a high demand for nightclubs to reopen again and that young people, many of whom have been hit hard by Covid restrictions whilst at university or entering the job market, are excited to enjoy a night out after all this time.

“The report shows that consumers are keen to take a responsible approach and will take Covid-19 safety precautions into consideration when planning a night out – such as booking in advance which will enable venues with Track and Trace requirements.

“This shows more than ever that nightclubs can open both safely and responsibly in the current climate and we are delighted to receive the go-ahead from UK government."

He continued: "There’s no doubt that the reopening of Watford’s late-night leisure sector will give a much needed boost to the local economy in terms of revenue and job creation."