Nightlife: backstory vibes. [part 1]

The interest to regulate the night-time economy

The interest to regulate night-time behaviour is not new. Government policy is paradoxically torn between the economic benefits of a vibrant night-time economy, open all hours, and the regulatory concerns of noise, nuisance, incivilities and violence. So, the night-time economy is increasingly being recognized as a driver of economic growth, but for it to succeed a broad range of professionals need to cultivate it. Whether you work in planning, health, economics, transport, the arts or property — the night-time economy can no longer be an afterthought.

Anyway, cities can increase their productivity by adopting measures that regulate and diversify the array of social and economic activities that take place during the night. In the 1990s, some cities in the UK stopped seeing the night as negative and problematic space and begun to estimate the value of the so-called “night-time economy” the contributions made to city coffers by restaurants, nightclubs, taxis and other night-time services and forms of entertainment. Some cities have made good progress in promoting their night-time economies.

For instance, in 2007 the City of London published a document titled Managing the Night-Time Economy, a guide to nocturnal best practices that describes the regulatory framework and the primary interventions that have made the British capital a night-time city model for both residents and visitors. From London’s practice, as well as that of other cities around the world, can be identified at least five reasons why cities should promote their night-time economies:

The night-time economy is a source of employment and additional revenue for local governments. According to TBR’s Night-Mix Index, the night-time economy in the UK employs 1.3 million people and is worth £66bn a year (Available at https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/london-night-time-economy). This index analyses the composition of the night-time economy in different areas of the city by measuring indicators such as the number, type and size of the businesses; the number of people that work during this time frame, the evolution of the area’s night-time economy, and its growth in comparison to other sectors of the local economy m.

It allows local administrations to diversify their leisure and commercial activities. The night-time economy is an opportunity to revitalize urban areas that become deserted at night. For instance, by organising food festivals along with restaurants and bars in the city centre, cities like London can retain more people in these commercial areas, reducing the number of commuters that return home right after work. This not only results in greater revenue for these businesses but also, helps alleviate rush-hour congestion.

It promotes greater citizen security. By prolonging stores’ and restaurants’ hours of operation, cities can keep their streets lively and safe. A few years ago, the night in Brixton (a district of South London) was seen as a synonym of crime and violence. The majority of the bars closed at the same time, leaving hundreds of drunken youngsters in the street. To solve this problem, the city licensed new bars, clubs and pop-up restaurants in the area, to diversify the area’s night-time activities.

It boosts local tourism. The most attractive tourist destinations are those that offer an array of entertainment options for different ages, cultures and lifestyles, including families. This requires private as well as public attractions and night-time leisure activities not associated with the consumption of alcohol. Somerset House is a fashionable multi-use open space in London. Part government and part academic building, this neoclassical structure is also a concert hall, fashion venue and art gallery. During winter nights, its ice rink becomes a dance floor where some of Europe’s best DJs play their music for visitors of all ages.

Creates a greater sense of belonging. A city that offers a wide variety of activities, good lighting, security and public transportation, invites its citizens to explore it during the day as well as during the night. In this sense, a healthy night-time economy can help build a neighbourhood’s identity, as well as create a strong sense of belonging for those who live in it.

For all these reasons, it is essential to boost our municipalities’ night-time economies. Anyway, we must take into account that elements such as qualified local police and improved street lighting are crucial to creating 24-hour cities.

In that sense, London has a competitive advantage. Also, local governments must work side by side with all actors — neighbourhood associations, bar owners, taxi companies, local police, sanitation and health services — to identify what are the best ways to regulate noise and improve garbage collection, among other issues, without hurting the businesses in the area. In Latin America, cities like Asunción (Paraguay) are working in this direction. The municipality, the National Culture Office and the National Tourism Office, organised meetings to discuss night-time activities in the historical centre to commemorate the city’s 447th anniversary. These entities created a multi-sectoral team — government, neighbours and businesses — in charge of monitoring the festivities and ensuring their positive economic impact on the city.