Bristol’s new nightclub, Moon Club, is shaking up nightlife norms with a strict no-phone policy on its dance floor, set to launch in September. Announced via Instagram on August 15 by the venue’s parent, Lakota, Moon Club aims to create a fully immersive club experience by banning mobile phone use specifically on the dance floor.
The statement emphasized: “When we open our doors in September, the dance floor is for dancing, not filming. Phones can still be used in other parts of the venue, but on the dance floor, we’re asking everyone to be present and enjoy the moment.” Guests caught filming may be asked to leave, a rule that underscores the club’s commitment to preserving the energy and connection central to nightlife.
Moon Club’s team explained the policy is about respect for the crowd, artists, and the night itself. Rather than phones lighting up the dance floor, the club wants guests to focus on music, atmosphere, and social interaction. To balance this, their in-house crew will capture video and photos on certain nights, sharing curated content afterward so attendees can relive the experience without interrupting it live.
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This move aligns Moon Club with a growing trend among global nightlife venues that reject phone screens in favor of more engaging, collective moments. The club also revealed that the build-out of its standalone venue is underway, promising a high-tech sound system and an intimate 220-person capacity designed to foster creativity and connection. The opening party is scheduled for early September, with further details to follow.
Reactions to the phone ban sparked lively debate online. Some applauded the return to pure dance culture, calling it a refreshing shift back to what clubbing is really about. Others voiced concerns; one visual designer pointed out that audience-filmed content helps promote venues and sustain creative jobs within the industry. Another suggested that if recording is banned, the club should provide official set recordings so fans can revisit the music.
Explaining the club’s background, Moon Club takes its name from the iconic venue that once stood in its location. It will feature a pioneering quadraphonic L-Acoustics 360° sound system and reactive lighting to create a genre-fluid, artist-friendly environment suited for innovative nightlife experiences.
By focusing on presence and performance rather than phone screens, Moon Club hopes to cultivate a more grounded and communal atmosphere. While the policy may require some adjustment, the venue’s dedication to enhancing crowd safety, artistic respect, and immersive connection reflects an intentional new chapter for Bristol’s nightlife scene.