Best Practices & Resources

VibeLab's Global Nighttime Recovery Plan - Chap. 7 (2021)

The seventh and final chapter of the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan is a go-to resource for anybody who wants to understand cities at night. It is a handbook of data methods and concepts for governments, communities, nightlife advocacy groups, and trade organizations.

A Study of the Night Time Economy (UK, 2021)

This 2021 study from the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group examines the economic and cultural value of the night-time economy, its challenges, and recommendations for recovery post-pandemic.

The Lockdown Effect - VibeLab Asia-Pacific (2021)

VibeLab's report on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on nightlife and cultural venues across the Asia-Pacific region, with insights on recovery strategies.

Report of Ireland's Night-Time Economy Taskforce (2021)

A comprehensive report from Ireland's Night-Time Economy Taskforce with recommendations for developing a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable night-time economy.

NYC Office of Nightlife Report (2021)

The NYC Office of Nightlife's annual report examining the state of nightlife in New York City, including policy recommendations and industry data.

Economic Impact of DC's Nightlife Industry (2020)

A study examining the economic contribution of Washington DC's nightlife industry to the local economy, including employment, tax revenue, and cultural impact.

Greater Manchester Night Time Economy COVID-19 Recovery Blueprint (2020)

Night Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord presented a blueprint of recommendations and priorities detailing how that city can recover stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approaches to Managing the Night-Time Economy - Local Government Association (London, 2019)

Whilst there are clear benefits of a thriving, well-managed night-time economy, licensed premises can create challenges for local communities. These can include crime and anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related hospital admissions.

Greater Manchester Night Time Economy Blueprint (2019)

Key priorities outlined in the blueprint include enhanced safety measures for customers, artists and employees, the pilot development of night-time transport links, and later opening hours across cultural organizations.

Assessing the Impact of a City's Nighttime Economy (2018)

In partnership with the Responsible Hospitality Institute, Jon Stover & Associates evaluated existing best practices in nighttime economy research. They developed a data-driven process and recommendations.

NYC's Nightlife Economy Impact, Assets, and Opportunities (2018)

Nightlife is a major economic and cultural driver for New York City. In 2018, the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment presented a study of the city's nighttime economy.

London at Night - An evidence base for a 24-Hour City (2018)

The evidence in this report challenges some of the myths and perceptions around London at night. It also shows the huge opportunity the city has to make London work better for Londoners around the clock.

Guide for Establishing and Managing Night Time Economy Uses (New South Wales, 2018)

This guide was designed for new businesses and development within New South Wales' nighttime economy sector. It offers help to entrepreneurs from choosing a property to seeking the necessary approvals.

A Guide to Managing Your Night Time Economy (2017)

This superb 2017 guide is from Sound Diplomacy and Andreina Seijas J. The guide is written for those who are interested in developing vibrant nighttime economies in their communities.

Global Cities After Dark: Outcomes Paper (2017)

In November 2017, over 120 participants came together for Sydney's inaugural Global Cities After Dark Forum to discuss and share ideas on nighttime culture, safety, and economic development.

24-Hour Cities: Real Investment Performance, Not Just Promises (2016)

Over the last fifty years, the nation's top live-work-play cities have proven themselves more than just vibrant urban environments. They are attracting a cross-section of the population and are preferred destinations for immigrants of all income strata.

The Economic Value of London's 24-Hour Economy (2016)

The analysis shows businesses across London and across industries working through the night and bringing jobs and prosperity to the city and country.

Sydney's Economic Development Strategy (2013)

Action plans to support Sydney's economic strengths such as the finance, tourism, and retail sectors; and grow new, emerging sectors such as the night-time economy and green economy sectors.

A Study on Women in the Music, Entertainment and Leisure Industries at Night (2021)

A comprehensive study examining the experiences and challenges faced by women working in nighttime music, entertainment, and leisure industries.

Federal Human Trafficking Report (2020)

Human trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to work or to engage in commercial sex. Often, nighttime economy businesses unwittingly serve as stops on the human and sex trafficking highway.

The Arlington Restaurant Initiative: A Nightlife Policing Strategy to Improve Safety and Economic Viability (2019)

Nightlife areas across the country are a challenge for law enforcement, communities, and business owners. Policing models that are not conducive to solving long-term issues are a drain on resources.

Best Practices in Public Safety for Nightclubs & Other Licensed Premises (2019)

The Boston Police Department and Partners in Licensed Premises Safety created this 2019 document to assist licensees in maintaining safe bars, taverns, restaurant-lounges, and clubs.

Safer Lincolnshire Partnership Handbook (2018)

This handbook outlines how a community safety partnership was organized to reduce crime and disorder and increase the safety of everybody in Lincolnshire (UK).

Ask for Angela Guidance for Bars and their Staff (2016)

From the Ask for Angela program in the UK, here is an example of a flyer that can be posted for bar employees.

Policing Entertainment Districts (2000)

This 2000 paper summarizes the results of 30 police-manager interviews and a nationwide survey used to identify entertainment district features and dynamics that create demands for police resources.

Continuum on Becoming a Fully Inclusive, Multicultural, Anti-Racist Organization (2020)

A framework for organizations to assess and advance their commitment to becoming fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist.

Urban Nightlife: Entertaining Race, Class, and Culture in Public Space (2014)

An academic examination of how race, class, and culture intersect in urban nightlife spaces and public entertainment districts.

Voices of Creatives (2021)

Scenarios for the New Normal in the Creative Industries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East after Covid-19.

The Music Cities Manual (2019)

Your Comprehensive Guide to Building Music Cities. A guide from Sound Diplomacy on how cities can leverage music as an economic and cultural asset.

Creative Footprint Music: New York (2018)

A comprehensive assessment of New York City's music ecosystem, examining the spaces, frameworks, and content that make up the city's creative music landscape.

The Political Economy of Informal Events (2018)

A whitepaper from the Night Time Industries Association examining the role and impact of informal events in the nighttime economy.

ImagineSydney: Create (2017)

Part of the ImagineSydney series, this report explores how creativity and cultural production can shape the future of Sydney's urban landscape.

Cultural Times: The First Global Map of Cultural and Creative Industries (2015)

The first comprehensive global mapping of cultural and creative industries, examining their economic contribution and cultural significance worldwide.

Urban Sociable District Sound Mitigation (2021)

Best practices for managing sound in urban entertainment districts, balancing the needs of venues, residents, and the broader community.

Last Night a DJ Took a Flight (2021)

An exploration of the environmental impact of DJ travel and the nightlife industry's carbon footprint, with recommendations for more sustainable practices.

The 8 Principles of Sidewalks (2019)

A framework for designing and managing sidewalks that support vibrant urban life, pedestrian safety, and economic activity.

Supporting Late-Shift Workers: Their Transportation Needs and the Economy (2019)

An examination of transportation challenges faced by late-shift workers and the economic implications of inadequate nighttime transit options.

Foot Traffic Ahead: Ranking Walkable Urbanism in America's Largest Metros (2019)

A ranking and analysis of walkable urban places in America's largest metropolitan areas, examining the economic and social benefits of walkability.

Cities Alive: Rethinking the Shades of Night (2015)

Arup's report on how cities can better utilize nighttime hours, examining lighting, safety, transportation, and cultural programming after dark.

Cities of Choice (2021)

BCG's research on what makes cities attractive places to live, work, and play, with insights on quality of life factors that drive urban migration.

VibeLab Global Nighttime Recovery Plan: Chap. 3 - Innovating for 24-Hour Cities (2020)

Chapter 3 of VibeLab's Global Nighttime Recovery Plan focuses on innovation strategies for creating truly 24-hour cities.

Living After Midnight: For a Better Night-Time Environment (New Zealand, 2019)

New Zealand's approach to creating better nighttime environments, with recommendations for policy, planning, and community engagement.

ImagineSydney: Play (2019)

Part of the ImagineSydney series, this report explores how play, leisure, and entertainment shape the future of Sydney's urban experience.

ImagineSydney: Live (2018)

A 30-minute city will require new modes of cooperation and thinking. It takes collaboration of public sector, private sector, and individuals. If we get it right the opportunity is enormous.

24/7: Late Capitalism and the Ends of Sleep (2014)

Author Jonathan Crary presents the ruinous consequences of the expanding non-stop processes of twenty-first-century capitalism, pushing us into constant activity and eroding forms of community.

Free the Night: Mandate (2021)

Free The Night is a non-profit organization committed to creating a safe, progressive, and culturally rich environment for nightlife in Northern Ireland.

Vienna Club Commission: Internationale Servicestellen (2021)

This report is the result of the Vienna Club Commission's research on various models for nighttime club advocacy groups. 24HourDallas was included in the research.

Music Ecosystem Study and Strategic Recommendations: Cardiff (2019)

Sound Diplomacy developed a unique 4-pronged methodological approach to deliver a comprehensive assessment of Cardiff's music ecosystem.

Consultation du Milieu Musical Lausannois (2019)

Sound Diplomacy developed a unique methodological approach to deliver a comprehensive assessment of Lausanne's music ecosystem.

Laval (FR) Nightlife Charter (2017)

Nightlife contributes to the social bond and to cultural life. It must take place with respect for all, without excess, and thus contribute positively to the dynamism of the city.