As a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Night Time Economy, I’m working with other MPs and peers to address some of the challenges facing the nightlife sector because of Covid-related restrictions.

The group has launched an urgent inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on UK nightlife and is investigating how the sector can reopen and recover from the pandemic and we want to hear people’s views on the nightlife sector, and what it means to them.

Brighton is famous for its fantastic nightlife sector – our independent bars, clubs and grassroots music venues make our city the vibrant place that we know and love, alongside bringing thousands of pounds to our local economy each year. It is so important that we maintain these spaces of culture and social interaction in our communities, and I would encourage all those who take part in our nightlife – whether you like to drink in our pubs or watch shows in our venues – to share their views in our APPG survey.

We’ve heard from the Night Time Industries Association about the impact of the closures on the night-time economy, with many venues in rent arrears and debts mounting by the day.  Michael Kill, the Association’s CEO, said time is running out to save the sector.

But we want to hear the views of everyone who works in or enjoys the night-time economy.  We’ve launched an industry-wide online survey and we’re asking for employers, employees, freelancers and consumers to take part and submit evidence on how the sector has been affected by the pandemic and its importance to the cultural and economic life of the UK. 

The survey can be accessed at: www.ntia.co.uk/appg