The debate surrounding the use of smartphones within nightclubs has taken center stage with the upcoming opening of a new venue, Amber’s, in Manchester. This establishment has implemented a controversial rule requiring clubbers to cover their smartphone cameras with stickers. This move has sparked heated discussions about the impact of social media on club culture, both among patrons and industry professionals. While establishments in cities like Berlin have long adopted similar policies, Amber’s represents a significant shift in the UK nightclub landscape.
Jeremy Abbott, the director of Amber’s, expressed the club’s intent to prioritize the music and enhance the overall experience rather than allow smartphones to dominate the atmosphere. However, reactions on social media paint a divided picture. Some users expressed concern that restricting camera use might hinder clubs’ appeal, as videos shared on platforms like Instagram serve as free advertising. Conversely, others welcomed the initiative as a means of preserving privacy while partying.
In interviews with club-goers, the fear of unflattering social media posts was a recurring theme. One woman articulated her anxiety about waking up the day after a night out to find embarrassing photos of herself circulating online. Meanwhile, another patron noted that a reduced phone presence would foster a more engaging atmosphere, encouraging patrons to focus on the DJ and the music rather than their screens.
The question remains: Are nightclubs in Britain at a pivotal moment? Sacha Lord, the night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, appears to think so. He argues that excessive smartphone use disrupts the dancefloor experience, leaving DJs disheartened to see audiences transfixed by screens instead of dancing. The notable DJ Smokin Jo echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the vibrant energy of the late ’80s and early ’90s club scene, challenging today’s trend of smartphone-dominated nightlife.
Nonetheless, Dr. Lee Hadlington, a senior lecturer in cyberpsychology, offers a different perspective. He highlights that many clubbers find joy in documenting their experiences and sharing memories through photos. At Amber’s, rather than outright banning phones, patrons will need to cover their cameras to deter photos. A dedicated content team will document the nights and post updates online, creating a balance between capturing the spirit of the venue while reducing individual documentation.
While David Abbott acknowledges that the policy bears risks, he has been heartened by a supportive response. Lord sees this approach as a potential catalyst for revitalizing the nightlife scene, potentially infusing new energy into dancefloors that have languished in the shadow of COVID-19 regulations and closures. From June 2020 to June 2023, the number of active clubs in the UK dropped from 1,266 to a stark 786, indicating a pressing need for innovation in the industry.
DJ Graeme Park offers a dual perspective. On one hand, he believes limiting smartphone use could be beneficial; on the other, he acknowledges the generational divide that such restrictions might create. His son, Ben Park, expressed frustration over the older generation discouraging smartphone use at clubs, emphasizing youth interest in sharing their nightlife experiences online.
In comparison, cities like Berlin have long adhered to a “no phones on the dancefloor” policy, with up to 90% of venues enforcing this rule to preserve the immersive experience of clubbing. Lutz Leichsenring, co-founder of VibeLab, suggests that this practice has become appreciated amongst tourists and locals alike.
Historically, Amber’s aligns with the practices of London’s renowned nightclub fabric, which has imposed a camera-free policy since reopening in 2021. Cameron Leslie, a co-founder of fabric, reported that most clubbers comply with the request to cover their phone cameras, a sentiment echoed by Smokin Jo and reinforced by discussions amongst DJs about formalizing such agreements in performance contracts.
In conclusion, the conversation surrounding smartphones in clubs reflects broader changes in societal norms and entertainment culture. As attitudes toward nightlife evolve with each passing decade, the ongoing dialogue highlights the delicate balance between preserving the authenticity of the clubbing experience and adapting to modern societal behaviors. The potential impacts of policies like Amber’s could shape the future of nightlife across the UK, bringing new energy to dancefloors while fostering a more connected experience between clubbers and the music itself.
