Bars to get ‘immediate boost’ from Night Tube

London’s ’24-hour economy’ could be worth almost £30 billion by 2030 following the launch of Night Tube services, providing an “immediate boost” to the city’s bars, pubs, hotels and restaurants.

London’s nightlife scene will receive an “immediate boost” from new Night Tube services

According to a new report by not-for-profit organisation London First and Ernst & Young (EY), London’s night-time economy provides employment to 723,000 people – a figure that could rise to 790,000 in less than 15 years.

John Dickie, director of strategy and policy at London First, said that the launch of the Night Tube and the Night Time Commission provides an opportunity for “policy makers is to move beyond traditional sectors, such as bars and restaurants, into creating a truly 24 hour city”.

The report states that industries outside of the traditional nightlife and hospitality sectors will be impacted by the Night Tube, including transport and storage and health and social work.

“The opportunities to capitalise on London’s 24 hour economy highlight a demand for the city to develop a strategy around how best to involve businesses and engage key stakeholder groups to communicate the benefits and the impact a Night Tube will have on London’s economy,” added Caroline Artis, senior London partner at EY.

The Night Tube service launched on the Victoria and Central lines last Friday (19 August) and will extend to the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Northern lines in the autumn. The service runs on Friday and Saturday only.

“The Night Tube opening is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for London,” said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. “It will unlock the full potential of London’s night-time economy, and will be a huge driver in creating jobs and supporting hundreds of businesses in our city.

“London’s culture and nightlife, from our theatres to our music venues, is iconic around the world. With the night tube more people will be able to experience London’s unique cultural scene, making a substantial and vital contribution to our city’s future economic prosperity, and sending out a signal that London is truly open.”