FOCUS FEATURE


THE NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY


aspects when it comes to the national conversation and perception. It’s impossible to deny the link between the night-time


economy and the disorder associated with it. To a large extent, the night-time economy fuels it. With 24-hour alcohol licencing , promotions such as ‘happy hours’ and buy-one-get-one free drinks, it is easy to see how trouble manifests itself; even though it does result from a lack of self restraint by the perpetrators 'out for a good time'. Given such behaviour is witnessed time and again, you


can see why the mud sticks. It’s a cultural and social trend that shows no sign of abating and one that can mask and overshadow a good deal of positive aspects of the night- time economy. Visit England – the national tourism board for England –


argues in its The Evening & Night-Time Economy briefing that “UK town and city centres after dark have long been a place of contention, often places to control and condemn rather than to shape and encourage. It is true that the NTE, the time period between 6pm-6am, presents the unique challenges of reducing crime and disorder, limiting the effects of alcohol on health and changing operator, worker, resident and visitor perceptions”. It’s a view backed up by the aforementioned Night Vision:


Town Centres for All report in its Forward by Baroness Andrews OBE, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State the Department of Communities and Local Government, where she states that “town centres should be for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately this is not always the case… growth of the evening and late-night economy poses a major challenge for our towns and cities and we have to learn how to manage this activity in the interests of all the many stakeholders involved and the whole community”. But is it a case of the minority letting the majority down?


It’s worth noting that the majority of party-goers enjoying a night out are there simply to have a good time and that the vast majority of the establishments that create an appealing environment for these people – the pubs, bars and clubs predominantly – are well run and aware of their responsibility in creating atmospheres and processes that limit the risk of anti-social behaviour. So as well as creating coherent, effective policies to deal


with the negative effects of the NTE, should we also be dovetailing short- and long-term policies with championing the night-time economy and portraying it as a force for good?


36 business network June 2017


Are the minority letting the majority down?


Given that strides are being taken to create a truly 24-


hour economy and that initiatives such as night buses and the recently-introduced Night Tube service in London are encouraging more people to engage in the night-time economy, it’s clear that this needs to happen. It’s not just London that is recognising the benefits of a


positively-perceived 24-hour economy, with many European countries adopting similar stances. Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, has its own night mayor while Berlin, Germany, has focused on more fluid opening hours, with 24-hour transport in the central districts and some restaurants in the centre open 24-hours a day. The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) – a trade


association and membership organisation that promotes the contribution of the night-time industry in the UK and internationally – in its 24 Hour Cities: How London’s Night- Time Economy Compares with Others report, which can be viewed at www.ntia.co.uk, unsurprisingly praises the way these cities are promoting the night-time economy and challenging perceptions. The NTIA argues that not only does a strong and


supported night-time economy benefit those organisations and employees working in it, but also offers a knock-on


‘There’s little doubt that providing a diverse, vibrant and safe nightlife is a big tourist attraction’


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