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UK venues charge up to £15 for bag storage as night-out costs rise
Cloakroom and bag-storage charges at UK music and entertainment venues have risen sharply, with some lockers costing more than £13 and one arena charging £15 for large bags. The extra fees add to the cost of a night out, while rules restricting larger bags can leave people relying on external storage or taking risks with their belongings.
Venues cite rising operating costs and tighter bag policies introduced after the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, which killed 22 people and injured more than 1,000. The Night Time Industries Association says average spending per person on a night out rose from £20.95 in 2020 to £28.06 in 2026; its chief executive says customers are reaching an affordability limit. Storage arrangements vary, from purpose-built lockers to nearby hotels and local businesses, with some concert-goers questioning how secure these options are.
In short
- Some UK venue lockers now cost up to £15.
- Average night-out spending rose to £28.06 in 2026.
- Bag restrictions have pushed storage to nearby businesses.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “Once it was a £1 hanger. Now it’s a £15 locker. Why do cloakrooms cost so much on a night out?”.