LONDON COULD BE GETTING A NIGHT TIME MAYOR

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) will embark on a series of talks with the Mayor's Office at City Hall to appoint a "Night Time Economy Champion" for the City of London. 

Based on a model established in the Netherlands — the progressive city successfully appointed Mirik Milan as Amsterdam's Night Time Mayor in 2012 — the Mayor of London will investigate the potential for creating a similar position in the UK capital. 

The Night Time Economy Champion would be responsible for bringing together businesses, residents, local authorities, transport, police and emergency services in London, to maintain positive relationships, review policies and maximise the potential of a sector that is worth £66 billion a year.

According London’s Grassroots Music Venues Rescue Plan that was produced by the Mayor’s Music Venues Taskforce earlier this year, London has lost 35 per cent of its grassroots music venues since 2007, with the number of venues programming new artists dropping from 136 to 88, with several solutions now up for discussion. 

In addition to the Night Time Mayor suggestion, City Hall will also discuss the release of a Culture and Planning Guide (a jargon-free collection of advice for venues and licensees) and the set-up of a London Music Development Board made up of representatives from London's music industry, venues, licensing authorities, police, planning departments and transport authorities, as well as cultural sector funders.

The NTIA is encouraging people to tweet in support of their bid to appoint a Night Time Economy Champion for London, be sure to tag in @LDN_Culture @MayorofLondon and @wearethentia and join the conversation here.