NTIA Scotland has launched Northern Lights: A Manifesto for Scotland’s Night Time Economy 2025, setting out 31 recommendations aimed at securing the future of the country’s night time economy, which it describes as a key national asset—economically, culturally and socially.
The night time economy, which includes bars, clubs, hospitality venues, live music, cultural spaces and late-night transport, contributes £43.5 billion in GVA to the UK and supports more than 137,000 jobs in Scotland across 12,600 businesses. But according to the NTIA, the sector is under serious threat due to rising costs, fragmented public transport, inconsistent local strategies and increasing regulatory pressure.
The manifesto calls for a shift in how government engages with the sector, moving from regulation to regeneration. It recommends a cultural protection fund, VAT and business rates relief for venues, and changes to licensing that currently place significant burdens on hospitality and accommodation providers.
Among the six priority actions are the creation of a national strategy and strategy board, the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Night Time Economy, and statutory duties for all local authorities to develop their own night time economy strategies. The NTIA is also calling for Offices for Nightlife in major cities, further regulatory and financial reform, and initiatives to improve late-night transport, safety and inclusion.
With 85 percent of Scottish hospitality businesses reporting “low or no trust” in government, the NTIA is calling for coordinated action at both national and local levels. It is urging the Scottish Government to adopt the recommendations, host a national summit on the future of the night time economy, and embed the sector within Scotland’s wider economic transformation plans.
Mike Grieve, Chair of NTIA Scotland, said: “Scotland’s night time economy is not just about bars and clubs. It’s about the creative soul of our towns and cities. Without immediate and strategic government support, we risk losing the venues, voices and businesses that define Scotland’s global cultural identity. Northern Lights is a blueprint for meaningful action, and the time to act is now.”
Gavin Stevenson, Vice-Chair of NTIA Scotland, said: “In towns and cities all across Scotland, our bars, music venues and clubs provide vital cultural experiences, essential income for artists and musicians, and are often the few remaining beacons of light on struggling high streets. Our sector is the largest employer of under-30s in the UK, and 70 percent of our venues are owned or operated by independent small businesses. Businesses typically pay £10 in tax for every £1 of profit, and all of this is at risk without urgent action.
“This manifesto offers an opportunity to reset the relationship between the private and public sectors, and a roadmap for tackling the regulatory and financial obstacles that are currently crippling the late night economy.”
Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA UK, added: “Across the world, cities are embracing nightlife as a key component of economic resilience and cultural diplomacy. Scotland must not be left behind. Northern Lights offers a forward-thinking, detailed and locally adaptable plan for national recovery. It is not just a wish list, it’s a working document for a sustainable future.”
Jenn Nimmo-Smith, NTIA Night Time Economy Ambassador for Glasgow, said: “I see first-hand how vital our night time sector is, not only as an economic engine but as a beating cultural heart of the city. The Northern Lights manifesto rightly recognises that the night time economy is not a problem to be managed, but a powerhouse to be supported. We need leadership that puts regeneration, not just regulation, at its core.”
The manifesto was written by Stephen McGowan of TLT LLP, with support from Philip Kolvin KC. Contributors include Mike Grieve (NTIA Scotland), Gavin Stevenson (MRG Hospitality), Andrew Fleming-Brown (SWG3), Jenn Nimmo-Smith (NTIA Glasgow) and Michael Kill (NTIA UK).
The full manifesto is available here.