coincidence maybe ?

Maybe. I think it is only part of the picture though. People are just not going out any more as witnessed by the number of pubs shutting. In the last 20-odd years many have had their disposable incomes slashed and the first thing that goes are the luxuries. From the 60s right through to the early 90s people would happily buy beer at pub prices, pay to see folk singers and buy their wares. Now they are fare more likely to buy 4 cans for £3 at Tesco's, put something on the telly and stream folk songs through the free version of Spotify.

Another thing we can blame on austerity. In my opinion.