END OF THE ROAD FOR FIFE NIGHTCLUB
Kirkcaldy nightclub Society has announced it has closed down because of financial difficulties.
The town centre venue says the decision, effective from yesterday, has been “devastating” for all involved, blaming high running costs and a downturn in the nighttime economy.
It also criticised a refusal by the licencing board to extend its opening hours to compete with city venues, branding this decision “bizarre” and playing a significant part in the closure.
A statement from the operators reads, “Society, 13 Charlotte Street, Kirkcaldy has ceased trading and closed it doors effective immediately Friday 10th January 2025.
“Having traded at the Society site for some nearly nine years and through some of its busiest events and periods in its history, it is a truly devastating and disappointing blow for all involved.
“The current economic climate, the poor recovery post Covid of the hospitality sector in general, the cost of living crisis, the downturn of the late night small town economy, especially large nightclubs, the ever increasing unsustainable cost of utilities, rent, rates, repairs and associated property costs of such a large venue, the lack of government support for the sector in crisis, have all played their part in the closure of yet another large venue.
“The company tried diversifying into other hospitality areas within the site, some we have been successful with and we must hold our hands up that with some, we have just not been on point.
“The company had tried to extend late night licensing enduring significant costs doing so, to compete with nightclub licensing hours of the cities and the local demand of our demographic, but were refused this application by Fife Licensing Board in December of 2024, this was a truly bizarre decision, given Society had been trading on temp licenses without issue, this has played a significant part in this closure.
“The loss of weekly club door income also had a severe financial impact.
“The outside garden area is vital to the overall annual financial performance and over the past two dreadful weather summer months, that trade has just not existed in regular occurrence and volume.
“In summary, the financial pressures of the past months and the struggle has been clear to see. The company has now had to make the necessary but difficult decision to cease trading and enter into liquidation, with this our hands are tied.”
The venue was previously known as Oscars and Caesars.
It is a listed building dating back to 1850 when it opened as a school.
