M Club World – Nightclub Rule: Why Your Smartphone Camera Must Be Covered With a Sticker
Nightclubs have always been places of freedom, music, and unforgettable experiences. But now, a new Nightclub Rule is shaking up the scene — smartphone cameras must be covered with stickers. This controversial rule, which is already standard in Berlin’s iconic clubs, is now being adopted by venues in the UK, including the newly opened Amber’s in Manchester.
The rise of this trend has sparked a heated debate online. Supporters argue that it promotes privacy and helps clubgoers stay present in the moment. On the other hand, critics claim it could hurt a club’s visibility on social media, which acts as free advertising. This shift raises an important question: Is it time to prioritize privacy and presence over publicity and posting?
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The primary goal of this Nightclub Rule is to enhance the clubbing experience. According to Jeremy Abbott, director of Amber’s nightclub, the motivation is simple — “we really want the music and the experience to be front and centre.”
In many modern clubs, people are more focused on capturing Instagram-worthy moments than enjoying the music. As a result, DJs, like the legendary Smokin Jo, have voiced their frustrations about seeing seas of phone screens instead of dancing bodies. Sacha Lord, Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, strongly agrees, stating, “These phones are killing the dancefloor, they’re killing the atmosphere.”
This sentiment is echoed by veteran clubgoers who remember the glory days of the 80s and 90s rave scene. Back then, people had their hands in the air, dancing with joy, rather than holding up smartphones. The shift in club culture has left many DJs and club owners longing for a return to that pure, unfiltered energy.
Amber’s isn’t banning phones entirely. Instead, clubgoers are required to place a sticker over their smartphone camera lens before entering. This simple measure prevents people from taking photos or videos inside the club.
To avoid leaving attendees without any memories of the night, Amber’s has introduced a content team. This team captures the vibe and moments of the night, sharing them later on the club’s official social media pages. Clubgoers still get to relive their night, but without the pressure of documenting it themselves.
What happens if someone tries to remove the sticker and record anyway? Abbott says violators will be “politely asked to stop.” Repeat offenders risk being asked to leave the venue.
While it may seem strict, this policy is designed to shift club culture away from online validation and back to real-world connection.
For many, the Nightclub Rule is seen as a breath of fresh air. No more worrying about embarrassing photos surfacing online the next day. Many clubgoers, especially women, have expressed relief, knowing they can dance freely without being secretly filmed.
One Manchester woman shared her thoughts on the change, stating, “It does make the vibe better because the less people are on their phone, the more they engage with the DJ and each other.”
The removal of phones from the dancefloor encourages deeper social interaction and fosters a stronger connection between the DJ, the music, and the crowd. This immersive experience is what many club enthusiasts have been missing.
Moreover, some argue that this could revive the spirit of classic clubbing. Without the distractions of social media, clubbers can truly be in the moment. For DJs, this means performing for a present, fully engaged crowd. Graeme Park, one of the most respected DJs in Britain, is in favor of the move, calling it a “great idea.”
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Not everyone is on board with the Nightclub Rule. For younger generations, capturing and sharing experiences online is second nature. Many Gen Z clubbers see social media as part of the experience, not a distraction.
Graeme Park’s 20-year-old son, who also DJs, questions why older generations are making decisions for younger clubbers. He reportedly asked, “Why’s your generation telling our generation we can’t use our smartphones?”
For clubs, social media plays a critical role in marketing. Videos of wild nights, cool DJs, and packed dancefloors attract new guests. Critics argue that limiting user-generated content could reduce free advertising for clubs.
In this era of digital storytelling, not being able to post stories or reels could deter some people from attending. For this reason, many clubs remain hesitant to adopt the Nightclub Rule.
The UK nightclub industry has struggled to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Night Time Industries Association shows the number of UK clubs fell from 1,266 in 2020 to just 786 in 2023.
Amid this difficult landscape, the Nightclub Rule could be a bold strategy to stand out. Sacha Lord sees it as a “shot in the arm” for the industry, potentially bringing fresh energy to club culture. If more clubs follow Amber’s lead, it could mark a significant shift in the nightclub experience.
The policy aligns with the principles of Berlin’s famous clubs, where phone use is already restricted. Berlin has long been seen as a global standard for underground club culture, with venues like Berghain fiercely guarding privacy to maintain a sense of mystery.
With prominent names like M Club World covering the story, interest in this trend is likely to grow. M Club World has already highlighted how privacy-focused venues are redefining nightlife. Amber’s approach could be the start of a larger cultural movement.
Will the Nightclub Rule become standard practice in UK clubs? While it’s too early to tell, the buzz surrounding the policy is undeniable. Club owners, DJs, and clubbers all have strong opinions on the matter.
If the trend spreads, more venues might adopt similar measures. Clubs struggling to stand out in a crowded market could see this as a way to create a unique identity. As M Club World points out, innovative ideas often reshape entire industries.
The return of no-phone clubbing could signal a revival of authentic nightlife experiences. For clubbers seeking true escapism, this rule may offer the perfect solution.
As the nightlife industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain — the dancefloor will always be a space for freedom, self-expression, and unforgettable moments. Whether phones are allowed or not, the heart of club culture will always be the music.
By adopting the Nightclub Rule, Amber’s is taking a bold step that could influence nightlife around the world. It’s a delicate balance between privacy and publicity, nostalgia and progress. For those who love the raw, uninhibited energy of classic raves, this rule feels like a return to form.
With M Club World following this movement, it’s clear that the future of clubbing may be one where smartphones take a backseat to music, movement, and real connection. So, next time you head out for a night of dancing, don’t be surprised if your phone’s camera is covered with a sticker.
