The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today welcomed a new blueprint for Greater Manchester’s night-time economy, published by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The blueprint includes plans and proposals to regenerate Greater Manchester’s hospitality sector. It also sets goals to be achieved by April 2020. These include gaining a greater understanding of night-time travel in the city and how it can be improved, along with testing the viability of allowing hospitality businesses to stay open later whilst ensuring the safety of employees at night.
The blueprint report also offers support for the Agent of Change principle, which protects venues like pubs who open later from noise complaints made by residents in new-build developments nearby.
According to the report, Greater Manchester’s culture and leisure sector accounts for 44% of employment in the night-time economy, the equivalent to 181,000 jobs.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA's Chief Executive, said, “It is fantastic to see Greater Manchester leading the way in creating a best-in-class night-time economy and making such an effort to look at best practice from around the world.
“Far too often, local and regional authorities have sought to close down night-time businesses like pubs, failing to recognise the important role they play in boosting tourism and creating that sense of place, so important to local communities. With its ambitious strategy, Greater Manchester has set a high bar. We sincerely hope other local and regional authorities follow in its footsteps.”
Richard Kershaw, Chairman of the North West Association of the British Beer & Pub Association, said, “From music to football, we are known in the North West for our friendly culture and hospitality. Greater Manchester Authority’s plans to unlock the potential of the night-time economy is exciting news for hospitality businesses across the region.”