On Friday 8 May, an extraordinary meeting of the Economy and Skills Committee will discuss the future of Bristol Nights, following the Green-led administration's shock decision to scrap the programme.
The Committee is due to consider an update report, stating how aspects of Bristol Nights will be picked up by other organisations. However, the Labour Group have amended the report to force a vote on re-establishing the position of Nighttime Economy Advisor. There will also be a vote to establish a Nighttime Economy Advisory Board, comprised of sector representatives, an independent Chair, and cross-party councillors. It calls for a report to formally establish the new Nighttime Economy Advisory Board to be taken to a meeting of the Economy and Skills Policy Committee for approval no later than 30 September 2026."
Labour councillors believe this position is integral to the Council's work supporting the Bristol's nighttime economy sector, branding the Greens' move to abolish the position as a regressive step. Labour councillors remain unconvinced that the work of Bristol Nights will continue, to the detriment of the city's nighttime economy sector and the overall cultural scene.
Bristol Nights has delivered a number of public safety campaigns such as Bristol Rules , the Women's Safety Charter , Thrive at Night , on drug safety , and its anti-spiking initiative - which has trained over 700 staff in Bristol on anti-spiking and safeguarding measures and provided over 260 anti-spiking testing kits to establishments. As well as these essential public health initiatives, Bristol Nights offers businesses licencing and funding support and was spearheading a community-owned model for long-term cultural investment.
Speaking about the vote, Councillor Tom Renhard, Leader of Bristol Labour, said:
"We called this meeting because we truly don't understand the logic behind this decision. Bristol Nights achieved tremendous results on a minimal budget. We are still yet to hear why the Green-led administration chose to scrap it.
"Bristol's cultural scene is a jewel in its crown. Bristol City Council needs to support this sector to thrive however it can. Bristol's nighttime economy pays millions in Business Rates to the Council every year. They deserve to have someone there to advocate for them, day in, day out.
"Bristol Nights performed an invaluable role supporting public health. It spearheaded campaigns ranging from anti-spiking initiatives to the women's safety charter - we need more of those campaigns, not fewer.
"While cities around the world appoint Nighttime Economy Advisors - or Night Czars, as some cities put it - the Green-led Bristol City Council is taking a regressive step. By abolishing this position, the whole of the sector will suffer with significant damage done to relationships in the process.
"The Council did not even have the courtesy to consult the sector when it made this decision. It has been loud and clear by voicing its disappoint, calling for it to change course.
"This administration has become quite accustomed to u-turns. We are giving them the opportunity for another."
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