London’s Nightlife Taskforce sets out bold plan for the capital’s nighttime future
VibeLab leads the extensive research and creation of a new Governance structure for London
London’s independent Nightlife Taskforce has published a landmark new report setting out a bold, practical plan for the future of the capital at night.
The report brings together the most comprehensive evidence base on London’s nightlife ever produced. It sets out 23 recommendations across 10 key areas to protect, support and grow the capital’s vital night-time industries.
London’s night-time economy contributes over £139 billion to the city each year, supports more than a million night-time workers, and plays a critical role in culture, tourism, and local economies across the capital.
A clear roadmap for London after dark
Delivered by an independent, industry-led Taskforce, the report highlights both the scale of London’s nightlife and the pressures it faces — from rising costs and staffing shortages to outdated licensing and planning systems.
One of the headline recommendations is the introduction of a London-wide licensing standard, designed to bring greater clarity and consistency across boroughs. The Taskforce argues that existing licensing and planning frameworks have become outdated and overly burdensome, and need to better recognise the economic, cultural and social value of nightlife.
Later this year, the Mayor of London is also set to receive new licensing powers from the Government. These will allow City Hall to “call in” licensing applications of strategic importance — including those affecting key nightlife venues and expanded al fresco dining.
Evidence-led, industry-informed
The report draws on new research, data analysis, and the voices of nearly 3,000 Londoners. It reflects how nightlife has evolved beyond traditional venues to include a diverse range of cultural, social and community activity taking place across the city between 6pm and 6am — and how these spaces help people feel connected to their communities.
Importantly, the Taskforce situates London’s challenges in a global context, recognising that cities worldwide are grappling with similar pressures on nightlife ecosystems.
A new Nightlife Commission for London
A central recommendation is the creation of a new, independent Nightlife Commission — a unified, industry-led body to champion the sector and support delivery of the report’s recommendations.
The Mayor has announced £300,000 in UK Shared Prosperity Funding to help establish the Commission as a self-funded organisation. Launching later this year, it will bring together a diverse range of industry voices — representing nightlife workers and businesses — and work in close partnership with City Hall, local councils and the police.
VibeLab welcomes this move as a significant step forward in nighttime governance for London.
“Nightlife Commission is one of the most innovative nighttime governance models a London city implemented globally and we are glad that The Mayor sees the importance of Independent advisor”— Lutz Leichsenring, co-founder of VibeLab
Other key recommendations include:
Recognising nightlife as culture — acknowledging its cultural, social and heritage value, and widening access to national cultural support programmes
Supporting nightlife small businesses — including business rates relief and a reduced VAT rate
Creating a Nightlife Future Fund — to support innovative projects, particularly those led by underrepresented communities
Improving access to space — through simplified processes for temporary venues and a central database of vacant properties
Planning for a truly 24-hour city — improving infrastructure, activating high streets after 6pm, and better supporting night-time workers
Aligning night-time transport with demand — including re-establishing the Late Night Transport Working Group
Rethinking night-time sound management — using noise monitoring technology, strengthening Agent of Change protections, and advocating for clearer thresholds before enforcement
Creating safer nights — through partnership working, proportional policing, and harm reduction-led public health approaches
Looking ahead
The Nightlife Taskforce was established by the Mayor in February 2025 in response to mounting pressures on London’s nightlife. Like many global cities, London has seen rising costs, shifting consumer behaviour, licensing challenges, and workforce shortages hit the sector hard.
The Mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to working with partners across the city to ensure London continues to thrive after dark.
“London’s independent Nightlife Taskforce has put together the most detailed picture we’ve ever had of the challenges and opportunities facing our capital at night. Our night time economy supports more than a million jobs, contributes more than £139bn to our economy and brings communities together, but action is needed to ensure that it can be a thriving part of life in our city for many years to come. The taskforce’s recommendations set out a bold future for our life at night and I’m committed to working with partners to do all I can to support this. This includes receiving new licensing powers from the Government soon that will help us to unlock the potential of our capital’s nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan