Institute of Licensing and national organisations launch Partnership Charter for the Night Time Economy

The initiative, the brainchild of the IoL, responds directly to recommendations made by the joint industry and HM Government Licensing Taskforce, which called for improved operating practices and stronger partnerships to support economic growth and community wellbeing.

Led by IoL Patron, Philip Kolvin KC of 11KBW, the Charter’s steering group includes representatives from the Institute of Licensing, National Police Chiefs Council, LIVE, UK Hospitality, UK Crowd Management Association, Night Time Industries Association, Greater London Authority, Six Till Six and others.

Together, they have drafted a set of headline principles that reflect the shared responsibilities of operators, authorities, residents and others working in and around the night time economy:

• A thriving night time economy. This will emphasise programmes which promote vision, strategy, marketing, mentoring, information sharing and training.  
• An inclusive night time economy. This will highlight the diversity of users and their needs, accessibility and the inclusivity of the licensing process itself including through use of plain English.
• A safe night time economy. This emphasises the safety for visitors, workers and neighbours.
• A sustainable night time economy. This refers to environmental measures and programmes and sustainable transport.
• Voluntary programmes. This will include programmes such as Best Bar None, Pubwatch and the many other partnership programmes operating in the NTE.
• Working with communities. This refers to schemes such as neighbourhood forums, mediation and schemes such as agent of change and sound attenuation standards.
• A collaborative approach advocates good working relationships between venues and authorities, including transparency, dialogue and mentorship, standards for venue inspections and data collection, and use of the stepped approach.
• Measuring and celebrating success.  This refers to methods to measure the success of the Charter at local level.

Philip Kolvin KC, IoL Patron, said: “At the heart of every great town or city is its night-time economy, because of its contribution to culture, social cohesion and the economy. The struggles of the night time economy, and particularly since Covid, are not news, but nor is the depleted resource available to our public services to regulate the sector.

“The Partnership Charter represents a new way, bringing together best practice to enable the public and private sectors to work together to create safe, welcoming and thriving night time economies, for the benefit of all those who live, work, visit or invest in our town and city centres.”

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Alcohol and Licensing, said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy a safe night out. While police have an important role in enabling this, it is collective partnership working that drives successful solutions for communities.  This is why, on behalf of policing across the UK, the National Police Chiefs’ Council support this charter, and we sign up to being part of its commitment and principles today.

“It is important to build on examples of best practice that enhance the lives of many, and police will always seek to work in partnership to prevent crime and protect people. However, we will also take immediate enforcement action when required.”

Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair UKHospitality, said: “Strengthening the night-time economy through a clear and collaborative framework is vital, and I’m delighted to see the Partnership Charter launched in direct synergy with the Licensing Taskforce’s recent recommendations.

“This charter reflects a shared commitment to recapturing the original intent of licensing—to support growth, safeguard communities, and meet consumer needs.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and VP International Nightlife Association, said: “The Night Time Economy is one of the UK’s most dynamic cultural and economic assets, but it can only thrive through meaningful partnership. This Charter represents a vital step forward, bringing operators, regulators, local authorities and communities together with a shared commitment to collaboration, best practice and long-term sustainability.”