The potential closure of renowned Bristol club Motion highlights that authorities must do more to protect venues, according to former Bristol Labour Councillor Marley Bennett.
“There’s more that needs to be done in terms of ensuring that venues are recognised for the cultural impact they have”, says the former Chair of Licenses.
This week, Motion announced it could be forced to close in 2025, with the lease of its Avon Street site due to expire in July.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Motion Managing Director Daniel Deeks stated that the venue’s loss would “affect Bristol’s identity as a cultural hub”.
“The impact Motion has as a venue is comparable to other cultural institutions that you could never imagine being closed- venues like Bristol Old Vic”, says Bennett.
“To see Motion is under threat is a huge concern. The importance of the night-time scene is still not understood throughout the policymaking world.”
Recently, there appears to have been an increased effort from authorities to address the issues affecting venues across the country.
On Thursday, the UK’s Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant expressed the Government’s intention to protect grassroots music venues.
Bryant called on the music industry to introduce a levy on arena and stadium gig ticket sales to help support grassroots venues, festivals, artists and promoters.
Last week, Bristol Nights proposed a new Bristol Music Fund, aiming to establish a 1% ticket fee on music events to raise funds for grassroots venues.
However, while he believes progress is being made, Bennett says that there is a need for more urgency.
“We are seeing these issues being spoken about, but the challenges these venues are facing have come about really quickly. We need to increase the pace of support.”
Bennett has previously emphasised the importance of protecting the local hospitality sector, saying that Bristol’s night-time economy is critical to the city’s success.
The current owners of 74-78 Avon Street confirmed their intention to sell in a statement, adding that Motion Events Ltd ‘are welcome to bid for the site’.
