10 ways the Night Czar can improve London clubbing

Another lesson we can learn from Amsterdam is copying the security “Hosts” that have been introduced by the Dutch capital’s own Night Mayor into the city’s nightlife hub Rembrandtplein that is filled with late-night drinking spots. These are officials that keep a friendly check on the behaviour of people and encourage them to respect the rules of the streets. They’re also there to offer a helping hand to people who feel sick, or need directions and help getting home. As is the case with the city’s contaminated drug warnings, they aim to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations rather than prosecute people. They’re not invasive, accusatory or intimidating, and their presence has been proven to have a calming effect on an area that was often the scene of unruly behaviour. If the Night Czar could introduce similar officials into areas like Dalston or Hackney Wick, this could benefit London by reducing the issues that can occur at night time such as too much noise or violence. This will keep local residents happy and take the heat off clubs that are accused of facilitating these issues, in turn improving the reputation of clubland.

Amsterdam, Paris, Toulouse and Zurich all have a Night Mayor and this year the ‘Dam hosted the first every Night Mayors’ Summit. If a London representative were part of that, our city could stand to learn valuable lessons from the European community, who always seem one step ahead when in comes to the night.

Seb Wheeler and Patrick Hinton just want London to be as glorious as possible

Eliot Wyatt is a freelance illustrator based in Bristol. Visit his website