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A new report shows that Ohio\u2019s small music clubs are rocking \u2013 for the most part. The National Independent Venue Association\u2019s The State of Live report released Wednesday shows Ohio\u2019s 312 clubs<\/a> had an economic impact of more than $3 billion last year.<\/p>\n Ohio\u2019s impact is among the best states in the country.<\/p>\n However, 80% of Ohio’s independent stages didn\u2019t turn a profit in 2024. Sean Watterson, head of NIVA\u2019s Ohio chapter and co-owner of the Happy Dog in Cleveland, saved area venues struggle due to several factors, including declining population.<\/p>\n \u201cIncreased costs – labor, rent, insurance, utilities- all of those things have gone up,\u201d he said. \u201cAlcohol consumption, across the board, has declined. And that’s really what \u2026 made the whole business model possible.\u201d<\/p>\n The report showed similarly grim numbers in neighboring states, with 81% of New York clubs losing money, compared to 72% in Pennsylvania and 78% in Illinois.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you look at the Northwest, those numbers are more positive,\u201d he said. \u201cThey have expanding populations and younger populations, generally.\u201d<\/p>\n Watterson expects Cuyahoga County-specific numbers to be released next month. He said he is also hopeful that Senate Bill 186<\/a> will pass in the Ohio Statehouse, creating a fund from venues\u2019 liquor taxes that sends funding back to club operators. State Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) proposed similar legislation last year. He said he\u2019s continuing to gather bipartisan support for SB186.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of us in the General Assembly have a venue that would probably benefit from this type of legislation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The report also found Ohio\u2019s independent stages support more than 21,000 jobs and serve approximately 5 million people with live music. The report excluded large venues such as those operated by Live Nation. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n