WHEN I was in my late teens I was out partying in nightclubs three times a week into the small hours.

Last Saturday I had a cup of tea with Jaffa Cakes, watched a film and went to bed.

Times have changed.

I’m not going out and dancing all night the way I used to and either are other people it appears.

For me the issue might be down to a lack of pennies, or not being able to deal with hangovers.

But I was still shocked earlier this month to read the latest figures from the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (AMLR).

In 2005 there were 3144 clubs across the UK compared to 1733 today, according to the organisation which represents the venues.

Industry figures say it’s down to young people abandoning the rave scene for festivals, while others claim the smoking ban and a difficulty in getting late licences are to blame.

It’s sad to see numbers like that down on paper because it clearly shows a drop.

But I think we need to look behind them to see what’s going on.

Reports quite rightly said the UK’s club scene is recognised as one of the most vibrant in the world.

In the past (and before my time unfortunately) there’s been the Hacienda in Manchester and the Wigan Casino.

We’ve had our fair share of legendary clubs come and go too, including the Arches which closed down earlier this year.

I’m not sure if the drop in nightclubs is about people abandoning them completely, though.

Firstly, not everyone is as sad as me. And when I can be persuaded, I do venture out to have fun.

I would argue that the late night scene is always shifting.

When I went out three nights a week I wasn’t going to the rave nights made popular in the 90s.

Clubbing for me was about dancing all night, usually with an indie music soundtrack.

You could argue that clubbing for people in the 1950s and 60s was all about dancehalls.

Going by Sauchiehall Street there's still a thirst for thriving nightlife whether you're after bubble-gum pop tunes, house music or hip hop.

Live music is also a huge part of going out now.

I don't think it's the case but it would be a shame if we lost nightclubs forever.

We need the option to drink, dance and have fun.

There is more to Saturday night than Jaffa Cakes.