Called Northern Lights: A Manifesto for Scotland’s Night Time Economy 2025, the policy document lays out 31 recommendations to safeguard and transform the country’s night time economy.
The manifesto makes clear that Scotland’s late night sector is a critical national asset, economically, culturally and socially.
It highlighted increased regulatory pressures, spiralling operational costs, an inadequate and patchy public transport network, and a lack of coherent national and local strategy had pushed the “sector to the brink”.
Strategic intervention
The organisation called for coordinated, strategic intervention at both national and local levels to avert further decline and unlock the full potential of the late-night sector as a driver of growth, inclusion, creativity and recovery.
It further highlighted the encompassing hospitality, live music, clubs, cultural venues, bars and late-night transport, generates £43.5bn in GVA for the UK, and supports more than 137,000 Scottish jobs. It also anchors communities in 12,600 businesses across the country.
But the manifesto added that “this ecosystem is at serious risk.”
It proposed a structural shift in how the Government approaches the sector, moving from regulation to regeneration.
Key recommendations included the appointment of a dedicated minister for the night time economy, a national night time economy strategy and strategy board, and statutory duties for local authorities to create and implement their own strategies.
It also advocated for the establishment of offices for nightlife across Scottish regions to drive local coordination, innovation and inclusion.
Reform
Financial relief and regulatory reform were also central to the document. NTIA Scotland called for immediate reductions in VAT and business rates for night time venues, a national cultural protection fund, and a rethinking of licensing burdens on both hospitality and accommodation providers.
The manifesto also warned current tax and regulatory structures were strangling a sector that should be leading the economic and cultural renewal of Scotland’s town and city centres.
NTIA Scotland chairperson Mike Grieve said: “Scotland’s night time economy is not just about bars and clubs.
“It’s about the creative soul of our towns and cities. Without immediate and strategic government support, we risk losing the venues, voices and businesses that define Scotland’s global cultural identity. Northern Lights is a blueprint for meaningful action—and the time to act is now.”
NTIA Scotland vice-chair Gavin Stevenson added: “This manifesto offers an opportunity to reset the relationship between the private and public sectors, and a roadmap for tackling the regulatory and financial obstacles that are currently crippling the late night economy and leading to job losses and business closures.
“We know our sector can be at the forefront of a return to robust economic growth, leading in turn to enhanced revenue for our public services, and the creation of prosperity and jobs. I would urge policymakers to engage with our sector and work together in building a brighter future for Scotland.”
The manifesto also tackled transport, safety and inclusion, calling for late-night transport reform, pilot schemes for city-centre drug testing, a national street ambassador initiative, and inclusion frameworks to ensure the night-time economy is accessible and welcoming for women, LGBTQIA+ communities, neurodiverse individuals, and older residents.
The manifesto was authored by Stephen McGowan (TLT LLP) and supported by Philip Kolvin KC, with contributions from a cross-section of industry leaders and cultural practitioners, including Mike Grieve (Chairman, NTIA Scotland), Gavin Stevenson (MRG Hospitality), Andrew Fleming-Brown (SWG3), Jenn Nimmo-Smith (Regional Ambassador for Glasgow), and Michael Kill (CEO, NTIA UK).
NTIA UK CEO Michael Kill said: “Across the world, cities are embracing nightlife as a key component of economic resilience and cultural diplomacy. Scotland must not be left behind.
“Northern Lights offers a forward-thinking, detailed and locally adaptable plan for national recovery. It is not just a wish list, it’s a working document for a sustainable future.”
Northern Lights manifesto actions
- Creation of a National Night Time Economy Strategy and Strategy Board to provide a cohesive vision and framework for the sector.
- Appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Night Time Economy to champion the industry at the highest level of government.
- Statutory duty for all local authorities to develop their own NTE strategies, ensuring consistent support and localised solutions across Scotland.
- Establishment of Offices for Nightlife in major cities and regions to drive coordination, innovation and inclusion at a local level.
- Financial and regulatory reforms, including business rates relief for venues and a cultural protection fund to safeguard Scotland’s creative spaces.
- Initiatives to enhance transport, safety, inclusion, and late-night services, ensuring the NTE is accessible, safe and welcoming for all.
