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London mayor creates nightlife taskforce

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has launched an independent taskforce to address the issues facing the capital’s nightlife businesses.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has launched an independent taskforce to address the issues facing the capital’s night-time economy.
Sadiq Khan has been London mayor since 2016

The London Nightlife Taskforce brings together experts from the nightlife industry, including Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric nightclub, who will chair the group; Nadine Noor, founder of Pxssy Palace; Nathanael Williams, founder of Colour Factory; and Alice Hoffmann-Fuller, head of operations at Corsica Studios.

The nightclub veterans will be supported by members of industry bodies, including Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality; Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA); and Sophie Brownlee, external affairs manager at Music Venue Trust.

The group’s launch follows the resignation of the city’s night czar Amy Lamé in October 2024.

Khan said: “London’s nightlife industries are vital to the success of our capital, but, as with other cities across the country, they have faced a huge range of challenges in recent years.

“The rising cost of living and operational costs, shifts in consumer behaviour, staffing shortages and licensing issues have all been hitting businesses hard.

“I’m determined to do all I can to work alongside our night-time industries, which is why I’ve brought together this independent taskforce of experts to examine and address the opportunities and issues facing the industry.

“Their expertise and unparalleled knowledge garnered from years of working across a range of night-time industries will help to inform and develop our collective efforts to support nightlife, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

Members of the taskforce will meet regularly over the next six months and have access to an advisory group that includes representatives from the Met Police, TfL, London councils, trade unions, the broader business community and supply chain businesses.

They will also be supported by nightlife research consultants Vibe Lab, who will provide data from Londoners.

The taskforce will provide a series of recommendations to the mayor.

Kill of the NTIA added: “I am proud to be part of London’s Night Time Economy Taskforce. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as our nightlife sector faces ongoing challenges, from rising operational costs to regulatory pressures and shifting consumer behaviours.

“The creation of this taskforce demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting and revitalising the capital’s night-time economy.

“By working collaboratively with key stakeholders, we can tackle the issues affecting late-night businesses and implement strategies to ensure a thriving, sustainable future for London’s nightlife.

“I look forward to playing an active role in these discussions, representing our industry, and working towards practical solutions that will help safeguard and grow this vital part of our culture and economy.”

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