Mayor unveils plan to boost night time economy

A new plan to revive the West Midlands' night time economy has been unveiled by the region's mayor.

The first ever report published by the West Midlands Night-Time Economy Commission, which was set up by mayor Richard Parker, has outlined 25 recommendations to help the region's pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Measures include improving visitor safety, boosting grassroots music venues, restoring night bus services and supporting businesses with costs.

Parker said he welcomed the commission's vision and ambition and pledged to get to work on implementing the 25 recommendations.

The Labour mayor said: "The West Midlands has a night time economy worth fighting for - great pubs, incredible food and music venues that gave the world Black Sabbath and Two Tone.

"But it only works if people can get there and get home safely, if the streets feel welcoming, and if businesses know someone is on their side.

"This commission has done serious work and sets out some bold new ideas.

"Some of it we can deliver now. Some of it requires pushing government harder. All of it matters to our region's cultural offer and our future."

The night time economy in the West Midlands employs 324,000 people, which is about one in four of the region's workforce.

However, the West Midlands Combined Authority said the industry was "not currently firing on all cylinders, having been hit hard by Covid, the rising cost of living, and changes to licensing and regulation, alongside issues with public transport, safety and staffing."

The recommendations set out in the report include:

• Better night time public transport with more frequent and affordable services late at night

• A refreshed Night Safety Charter with a focus on women, LGBTQ+ and disabled people

• Safe havens where workers or those on a night out can seek immediate help

• Safer streets with better lighting and open public spaces hosting late night events

• Strengthened support for night time workers through better training, wellbeing initiatives and improved conditions for delivery riders

• Backing for grassroots music venues, independent hospitality businesses, theatres and cinemas

• More joined-up regional strategies on licensing, safety and economic growth, alongside calls for national reform of business rates, VAT and street trading laws.

Dr Chris Burden, chair of the commission, said: "Together, we pooled our expertise from around the region and listened to a range of voices, from the venue owners to the people working in bars and restaurants, to draw up our plan for the future.

"Our nightlife and our hospitality venues are varied and have an enormous amount to offer, but we know they could do better with the right support in place.

"That means building up transport, prioritising safety, and crucially tackling the costs of doing business.

"Our report sets out practical measures which we know will make a huge difference to our towns and cities and we look forward to continuing our work with the mayor on getting them implemented."

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