Afterhours club

An afterhours club (aka after hours club and afterhour club) is a nightclub that is open past the designated curfew closing time for clubs that serve alcohol (which is often an hour long). Such clubs may cease serving alcohol at the designated time, but have special permission to remain open to customers and to sell non-alcoholic sodas and often highly caffeinated drinks.

In Western Europe—specifically in Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom—24-hour "music and dance" licences, which do not necessarily have alcohol restrictions, are granted. These licences are granted in Victoria, Australia too an example being the world famous Revolver Upstairs club.

In North America, afterhours clubs are typically small venues for professional musicians and entertainers to perform after their main gigs and patrons seeking entertainment after their evening's main event.

Evolution of the Term

While historically associated with nightclubs and venues that remain open after traditional closing hours, the term “Afterhours” has evolved to encompass broader meanings. In modern contexts, it is used in professional, creative, and commercial settings to describe activities, services, or events that operate outside conventional hours. This expanded use highlights flexibility, innovation, and productivity, making the term relevant to contemporary lifestyles and practices.