A group of cross-party MPs came together to establish an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the night-time economy today.
Led by Manchester MP Jeff Smith, the parliamentary group has been formed in response to the Night-time economy sector – and its supply chains – being put under extreme pressure due to strict Covid-19 restrictions.
They are also campaigning against the lack of financial support from the Government.
The group will provide a key voice for the sector in Parliament to address the immediate Covid-induced crisis and future challenges to the sector.
Explaining why the group will be particularly important for Greater Manchester, chair and MP Jeff Smith said: “The night-time sector is hugely important to both the UK economy and our cultural identity – particularly in Greater Manchester.
“We have a proud tradition of music, arts and entertainment here, and music tourism alone generated £169 million for our local economy pre-pandemic.
“In the past nine months, the sector has faced enormous challenges, and thousands of bars, nightclubs, and live events businesses are at risk of collapse.
“As a former event manager and DJ, I feel strongly about the importance of these businesses, so I am pleased to be chairing the new cross-party group to support night-time industries.”
The night-time sector has borne the brunt of Covid restrictions with many businesses ordered to remain closed since March and others being hit with the strict 10pm curfew before the imposition of a second lockdown.
There has been widespread concern across the sector that it has been particularly under-represented politically, and undervalued both culturally and economically by those in power.
In a positive step for the sector, this morning’s announcement marks the recognition of the specific challenges facing night-time businesses and a new dialogue between the sector and representatives across the political spectrum.
The new APPG will be supported by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).
“We believe that this group will have a substantial part to play in the regeneration of the night time economy in the next 12 months and the NTIA are very keen to play an active part within that group”, Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, said.
“The likes of Jeff Smith have stepped forward and recognised the importance of the night time economy, particularly in areas such as Greater Manchester.
“They make a huge contribution economically and culturally, and more importantly – the significant amount of people that rely on them for their livelihoods,” Mr Kill added.
The first item on the agenda for the group will be to create a fresh report on the current situation in the night time economy and present their findings to Parliament.
