London Night Czar calls for increased support for night-time industries
London's Night Czar Amy Lamé has called for urgent support for the night-time economy after research showed a 27% fall in the number of hospitality employees working between 6pm and 6am since 2018.
The cost-of-living crisis and spiralling energy costs are placing more pressure on businesses as they look to recover to pre-pandemic trading levels.
Speaking at the London at Night Conference Lamé urged the government to cut VAT for hospitality, extend the 50% business rate relief for the retail, culture, leisure and hospitality sectors for a further 12 months and offer greater support with energy costs for SMEs.
London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, said: "The prosperity of London's night-time businesses and industries has never been more crucial than right now. Our 6pm to 6am businesses face a monumental challenge and urgent Government support is essential to ensuring that these businesses can play the necessary key roles in driving forward London's economic and social recovery.
"I am so proud to host the first London at Night Conference and to bring together leaders from across the capital as we put life at night at the heart of our plans to build a fair, inclusive and sustainable 24-hour city."
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: "It is vital that Government steps forward and provides the support needed to ensure that our high streets at night can help drive forward our economic recovery.
"I'm proud that London has taken the lead in creating opportunities for local businesses and high streets to flourish after 6pm with initiatives such as my Night Time Enterprise Zones and am committed to doing all I can to help all aspects of our nightlife flourish as we build a better and more prosperous London for everyone."
