Constructing a nightlife strategy at the local level

The need for cities to develop a nightlife policy that takes into account the specificities of nightlife has been the object of numerous recommendations and resolutions of the European Forum for Urban Security (Efus). This approach becomes essential when we take into consideration the following aspects: (1) the use of the city changes at night and so does its population, (2) the multiplication and diversification of behaviors linked to the excessive consumption of alcohol and other substances has consequences in terms of both health and security, (3) the reduction or disappearance of the public services’ offer (e.g. public transport) which aren’t always adapted to the night time and the needs of night users, (4) the rising of the potential conflict between “the city that sleeps, the city that wants to party and the city that works” and its challenges on the coexistence and (5) the economic potential of the promotion of an urban quality nightlife and the need to balance it with all the precedent aspects.

We will share the vision on nightlife security challenges and on how local authorities can build a comprehensive and integrated strategy to respond to them. The presentation will be illustrated with practical cases related to the first results of the European projects in which Efus is a partner such as the SHINE and ToNite project.