Nightclubs are losing their sparkle

BRITAIN'S biggest nightclub operator said that cash-strapped clubbers were going out less as they face up to "one of the most difficult years in recent times".

Luminar, which owns the Oceana, Lava & Ignite and Liquid chains, told investors it had seen a sharp drop-off in the number of revellers as the economic downturn and rising price of fuel has hit them deep in the pocket.

The group also blamed the recent Euro 2008 football tournament, this summer's better weather and the disruption caused by a refurbishment programme for a 2.4 per cent slide in like-for-like sales in the past 19 weeks. Comparable sales at its branded clubs rose 1.9 per cent, but this marks a steep decline on the 14.4 per cent hike seen last year.