Cheers to putting the fun back into city nightlife
The report also looks at international examples. Evidence from Sydney shows how not to do things. Its culture of restriction on bars and restaurants with early closures pushes people into unrestricted environments and reduces foot traffic. All this decreases demand for activities such as the arts, which can make the night-time economy flourish.
International examples include appointing a ‘‘night mayor’’ or, like Melbourne, managing planning rules to ensure any urban development works within the entertainment precinct, ultimately to reduce Nimbyism.
Card spending data for bars, hotels, restaurants and taverns over the past 10 years reveals an overall growth in expenditure since the global financial crisis. But the ratio has changed. In Wellington in 2009, for example, 55 per cent of the spending was from 6pm to 6am. This has now flipped to 55 per cent during the day. A big change from alcohol to food spending has occurred. The turning point? When the alcohol and drink-driving laws changed.
If we want to grow our night-time economy, how can we ensure there is balance between economic and social growth and harm minimisation?
The first step is partnerships. If operators, industry groups and local business associations can meet regularly with councils and police, all parties can plan for events and introduce management provisions for night-time precincts.
During the 2011 Rugby World Cup there were regular ‘‘accord’’ meetings between licensees, food operators, police and councils. This model works well in cities such as Melbourne, which views itself as a 24-hour city with a focus on activities over and above bars and restaurants.
Ask anyone who has travelled internationally what they look for in a great urban destination and undoubtedly many will point to a vibrant and safe nightlife. If we don’t manage our night-time economy with a positive lens, we might see it slowly disappear.