The ALMR has responded to the London Mayor’s consultation on Culture and the Night Time Economy, making a series of recommendations aimed at supporting the city’s diverse late night businesses.
The ALMR’s submission highlighted the importance of London’s night time economy and made a number of recommendations, including:
• The ‘Agent of Change’ principle should become the norm in planning decisions – the onus should be on residential developments to secure new residents against noise disturbance from existing businesses
• Late Night Levies and Early Morning Restriction Orders should not be introduced in London as they damage the night time economy
• London’s boroughs and the Mayor of London should use their powers to promote economic growth, employment and social well-being provided through the sector
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said, “The consultation shows that the Mayor’s Office understands and appreciates the fantastic contribution being made by businesses in the night time economy.
“This is a great opportunity to highlight the economic and social contributions being made by innovative and exciting companies and push for further support. The Mayor and the Night Czar have already made some positive noises regarding the sector and the ALMR has been liaising with them to make sure they follow through with their support.
“The ALMR is pushing for widespread adoption of the Agent of Change Principal, something that the Mayor has spoken positively about. The Principal ensures that both businesses and residents benefit, and can help avoid a repeat of the trouble that Ministry of Sound faced only a couple of years ago.'
Nicholls continued, “The ALMR’s submission also calls on the Mayor’s Office to support the recommendations of the House of Lords Committee on the Licensing Act and act to ensure that no Early Morning Restriction Orders or Late Night Levies are introduced in the capital. These draconian measures place enormous burdens on businesses without tackling any of the perceived problems they are intended to.
“London’s night time economy is worth more than £26bn and is one of the city’s greatest assets. It is home to world-renowned nightclubs attracting customers from across the globe. It is something we should all be very proud of and it is crucial that a supportive and flexible approach to promoting the sector is in place. The ALMR is looking forward to working closely with the Mayor’s Office to support its members and promote a fantastic sector.”
