The 'Night Mayor' Phenomenon Spreads

For many city-dwellers, nightlife is one of urban living's biggest perks. In major cities, billions of dollars can flow through the night-time economy. In Europe especially, cities are recognizing the need for a positive relationship with that economy, going beyond simple regulation. That's why they're appointing "night mayors" to manage relationships between city government and nighttime entertainment venues. 

This article gives us an update on the night mayor phenomenon, which has recently spread to the U.K. "Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, recently announced the identity of the city’s first ever 'night czar'. [...] Paris, Berlin, Sydney, and now London, all have night mayors, as do Zurich and Shibuya, part of Tokyo."

In most cases so far, night mayors have been promoters of nightlife. "The success of the night mayor – in any given city, and as a global phenomenon – rests on the capacity for a bustling urban nightlife to boost the local economy, by keeping people spending for longer. Vibrant nightscapes have also become a mark of cultural status for global cities." 

But the role also requires attention to the sector's downsides. "Nightclubs are often blamed for social problems, ranging from noise pollution, to anti-social behaviour and illegal drug use." Night mayors need to find ways to address those concerns where they arise.