NYC Councilman proposes Night Mayor to regulate nightlife and DIY venues

New York City Councilman Rafael Espinal has started a proposal for legislation to create an entire government sector dedicated to the protection and management of nightlife.

Under Espinal's plans, the Office Of Nightlife would act as an advocate for independent and DIY art and warehouse spaces and as the primary liaison between City Hall and New York's $10 billion nightlife industry.

The new subdivision would be lead and overseen by a Night Mayor, similar to practices seen in Amsterdam, Paris, London and Zurich.

Besides the initial responsibilities, New York City's Night Mayor would also focus on preserving and protecting DIY spaces and smaller-scaled venues which have steadily provided a hub and environment for artists and cultural expression. The city has recently seen a huge depletion in the DIY community due to safety and licensing regulation, something the Night Mayor would consistently manage.

There has been no further comments from the New York City Mayor's Office on the matter.

[Via: Gothamist]

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