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For seaside resorts such as Brighton, the evening economy is more than a bit of fun. It is fundamental to the economic wellbeing of the council. Mary Mears explains how the council keeps revellers safe – and the city profitable Summer is approaching, and for seaside resorts across the country, that means a welcome influx of seasonal visitors. But it can also mean a potential rise in rowdy and drunken anti-social behaviour, as holidaymakers, clubbers, and stag and hen parties let their hair down to enjoy their stay by the sea. Brighton's night-time economy is hugely important to the city With tourism vital to the local economy of so many coastal councils, ensuring resorts are safe and welcoming at night is crucial – particularly in these difficult economic times. In Brighton and Hove, where we welcome eight million visitors a year, offering a vibrant nightlife in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, is a priority for the city council and its partners. We want visitors and residents to enjoy a great night out without feeling vulnerable after dark – whether they are teenagers out clubbing, families enjoying a theatre trip, or international conference delegates strolling on the promenade. Our night-time economy is hugely important in the city, generating income for a whole range of businesses, from pubs and clubs to restaurants and taxi firms. The knock-on effects are significant – a buzzing nightlife attracts visitors and conferences, bringing with them trade for local shops, hotels and theatres, and jobs for local people. A package of innovative and practical measures introduced in the city to manage drinking and licensed premises is making a real difference. And, as a result, public place violent crime has fallen to its lowest level for 10 years, noise complaints from licensed premises have dropped, eight pubs and clubs have had their licences suspended or revoked this year, and the council has been awarded Beacon status for managing the night-time economy. Measures include high-profile police patrols to ‘set the tone' from early evening, football-style yellow warning cards for troublemakers, firm enforcement action to close problem pubs, a radio system linking licensed premises, and a White Night festival, staged as an alternative to late-night drinking (see case study). In addition, a Safe Space drop-in centre run by volunteers provides support and first aid for anyone having problems during a night out, night buses enable people to get home safely, taxi marshals prevent flare-ups in queues at ranks, safety advice is provided for staff in late-night takeaways, and ‘street pastors' from local churches will soon be taking to the streets. Now, the council is working with other towns to share best practice on how it has tackled alcohol-related crime and disorder. A national conference for seaside towns held in Brighton and Hove in March, hosted by the council and the Home Office, was quickly oversubscribed, with delegates from as far afield as Cornwall, Devon, Wales and Blackpool among those taking part. And next month, a ‘Culture vulture' open day is being held for other authorities, coinciding with Brighton Festival, to highlight the range of different types of evening and late-night entertainment on offer – ensuring the emphasis is not all on pubs, clubs and drinking. Key to the successes and achievements in Brighton and Hove is close working with the police and other partners, including the pub trade, taxi drivers, the bus company, voluntary groups, and local churches. It is in all our interests to keep the city safe at night, and everyone has gone the extra mile to achieve this – working together to come up with practical solutions to ensure people have a great night out. Cllr Mary Mears is leader of Brighton and Hove City Council

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A night on the town

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