The latest Deltic Night Index (a quarterly report published by nightclub operator The Deltic Group, looking at the changing consumer habits in the UK’s evening and late-night leisure sector) details the habits of 2,300 people and reveals that they are spending a significant sum on a good night out. Respondents to the survey spend an average of £70.69 on a night out, this figure comprises every component of the evening, from drinks at home and transport to the venue to food and drinks out and getting back home again.
This isn’t a one-off splurge though, whilst most budget for the occasion and make their cash work hard to get the best bang for their buck, 60.8% go on a night out at least once a week and the average person is going out more than five times a month.
Although the amount people are spending is significant, it is not impulsive. The data shows the vast majority (89.0%) of consumers budget in a number of ways. For example, 58.5% have at least a rough idea of what they plan to spend before heading on a night out, and nearly a quarter (21.3%) refuse to spend more once they’ve hit their limit. 13.1% even plan their spending for each part of the night, from dinner to getting home.
Respondents are willing to spend, on average, almost 15% (14.6%) of their overall budget on entry or game fees (including for a specialist DJ, entertainment, and competitive socialising activities). This willingness to dedicate spend to venue costs signifies the important role quality entertainment and shareable surroundings play in today’s nights out. People use a variety of clever ways to keep track of their spending; more than 3 in 10 (30.4%) take their money out in cash and almost a quarter (23.9%) look for deals and discounts. Cutting down on food and drink costs is also a popular option for a fifth of consumers, 21.9% eat before going out and 19.9% pre-drink for longer before heading out.
Length and frequency of a night out both increased versus 2018 (2018 – 4hrs 34minutes), with the average time spent on a night out rising to 4hrs 38minutes and with more than three fifths (60.8%) of respondents going on a night out at least once a week.
