UK nightclub operator Luminar has revealed that it experienced a slowdown in customer spending in the run up to Christmas, as admissions were in decline.

However, the company – which operates the Liquid and Oceana chains – said that trading over the festive period itself was satisfactory, with like for like sales in its dancing and branded dancing divisions up 1 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively.

Looking ahead, the company said the board was “mindful of recent trends in the sector”, but “given the significant competitive advantage created by Luminar’s venues and strong asset backing, we are confident in the group’s strategy”.

Luminar also said that the impact of the English smoking ban was beginning to reveal itself, as the 70 per cent of the company’s estate with a good smoking solution outperformed those without, and the firm is to focus attention on the remaining units without outside areas.