18 Feb Key takeaways from the Night Time Economy Summit 2026
What have we learned about the night time economy? The Assembly Line’s Diane Cunningham shares takeaways and observations from the Night Time Economy Summit (NTES), which was held in Liverpool’s Blackstock Market earlier this month.
Night time economy challenges and trends:
- Transport costs and female safety influence where people will go and how frequently they go out for the night.
- The increasing number of restaurants closing on both Monday and Tuesday evenings is having an impact on high street footfall.
- Gen Z/younger people still want to go out, but despite headlines focusing on no/low alcohol options, affordability is the primary issue. Value for money is key, and activity, not just sitting in a pub, is important, which might be one of the (many) reasons why so many are closing. Once a pub has closed down, the loss to the community is large.
- Changing consumer habits are continuing to drive nightclub closures, yet clubbing for over-40-year-olds is growing and attracts a high bar spend, but more security is required (which elicited a laugh from the audience). Trance music is bringing both younger and older groups together, offering the opportunity for multi-generational clubbing
- New places are still opening, but they have to offer more than just drinks and/or food, which is more work for operators.
- While some areas may never recover their night time economies, new areas can develop, for example, Pumpfields in Liverpool and Blackstock Market, where the summit was held, which mixes street food, drink, comedy and a variety of live entertainment.
Is more public sector intervention on the cards?
At the conference, Labour MP Angela Rayner called on the government to have a dedicated Minister for Night Time to champion the sector.
In London, the Nightlife Taskforce’s new independent report sets out a comprehensive plan to drive the future of the capital at night, and this was much discussed.
New licensing plans were also announced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, which are designed to support and grow the capital’s nightlife industry.
The summit touched on the opportunities for combined authorities to have more control over licensing.
What is missing from the debate on the night time economy
Focus from politicians is undoubtedly a positive for the sector, but a holistic approach is required.
It needs to include planning, regulation and transport as well as licensing to create an environment where those businesses operating at night have a better chance of success.
What is missing from the night time economy debate?
Read Diane’s thoughts here on what is missing from the debate.
If you need help in understanding what’s happening at night or bringing businesses together, get in touch.