56.3% of nightlife venues expect worse results in the 2026-2027 season, and only 15.2% expect to improve. The average revenue drop is 7.87%.
Nightlife SMEs are facing the 2026-2027 season with an average revenue drop forecast of 7.87% compared to the previous year, according to the Sector Outlook Study conducted by España de Noche and Coca-Cola. The information, reported by cantabriaeconomica.com, reveals that 56.3% of establishments expect worse results, 28.6% hope to maintain figures, and only 15.2% anticipate a positive outcome.
In terms of income, 61.7% of venues expect declines, compared to 22.7% who believe they will increase, and 15.7% who will maintain their revenue. The main hindrance identified is the loss of customers' purchasing power, noted by 67.6% of business owners, followed by the rising costs of rent, drinks, and labour, highlighted by 64% of venues.
These factors are compounded by unfair competition from unlicensed venues and activities that exceed noise limits (48.6%) and the rise of festivals (47.7%). The average spend per customer drops from €22.08 in 2025 to €21.74 this season, and the average number of drinks per person falls from 2.12 to 1.91.
The profile of the audience is also changing: the average age rises from 30.08 to 32.3 years, with attendance between 20 and 30 years old in 72.1% of venues, from 30 to 40 years in 44.1%, and from 40 to 50 years in 34.2%. Local customers are present in 72.1% of establishments, those from the same province in 45.9%, EU customers grow from 25% to 28.8%, national customers from other autonomous communities in 9.9%, and non-EU customers in 9.0%.
Among the positive factors, 43.2% of establishments highlight the expansion of late-night activities, 26.1% the growth of tourist audiences, and 23.4% business tourism with event organisation and space rental.
The president of España de Noche, Ramón Mas, advocates for the economic, tourist, and social weight of nightlife and calls for a direct line of communication with regional and local administrations. The aim is to address the saturation of extraordinary events, compliance with noise regulations, and the fight against street drinking and unfair competition, as well as to participate in aid lines and plans to boost SMEs.
"It is urgent to address environmental regulations, the recognition of the sector as tourist businesses, and the fight for equality and against gender violence"
At the level of the Spanish Government, the federation announces the launch of a dialogue period to convey its electoral proposals to political parties ahead of the upcoming general elections.
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