10 ways the Night Czar can improve London clubbing
This could be so positive for the city
5 Work to implement the 'Agent of Change' principle
Before he was elected, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan promised to fast track the opening of the Night Tube and install a Night Czar. So far, so good. He also vowed to implement the ‘Agent for Change’ rule, which means new developments next to established venues need to meet soundproofing costs. This is something that could help spaces like The Yard, which is being forced to move because of a housing development nearby. It’s also what caused a lengthy battle between Ministry of Sound and a developer whose project threatened the future of the club. Surely a Night Czar would help implement this rule, or at least enforce it, and serve to further protect the clubs that make London great.
6 Destigmatise problematic aspects of nightlife and work to implement policy to combat them
People take drugs. It happens. The government’s complete refusal to acknowledge this in a manner other than prosecution is harmful to fixing the problems drugs cause and is putting British citizens in danger. For example, Amsterdam launched a campaign earlier this year warning tourists against buying drugs from street dealers who may be selling contaminated product, and if known dangerous pills or powders come into circulation they display warnings across the city on street signs which stops them from being bought. This progressive policy doesn’t ignore the fact drugs are illegal, but it factors harm reduction into the equation and protects citizens. The tragic loss of life that occurs when people take dodgy pills could be avoided if warnings are put in place. The Night Czar can help work towards sensible drug policy that will recognise that accepting drugs exist and will be taken is not condoning the illegal activity, and in doing so save lives in clubland.
