Rebecca Evans Minister for Social Services and Public Health
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The night time economy in Wales covers the economic activity occurring between the hours of 6pm and 6am. This encompasses a range of businesses and activities including restaurants and establishments serving food, the on- and off-trade sale of alcohol, music venues and clubs with dancing and entertainment, cinemas and other leisure activities. Wales has a range of diverse night time economies which exist in both urban and rural areas.
Night time economies are a valuable asset to Wales. They create jobs and revenue, and provide opportunities for people to socialise. However, evidence at international, national and regional levels has also demonstrated that the growth of the night time economy has been associated with increased levels of associated anti-social behaviour, criminal activity and substance misuse.
Today, I am launching a Framework to help people and organisations manage the night time economy in Wales. The Framework has been developed through feedback from consultation with stakeholders including the Police, the National Health Service, local authorities and the business community, all of whom have a shared responsibility for, and interest in, creating a safer and healthier Wales. Public Health Wales in particular has been instrumental in the development of this Framework, and I am grateful for their contribution.
This Framework supports the Welsh Government’s overall Substance Misuse Strategy, ‘Working Together to Reduce Harm 2008- 2018,’ and our Substance Misuse Delivery Plan (2016-18), which was published on the 6th September 2016. The Framework combines a national overview of best practice and suggested actions for a safer night time economy against the backdrop of the wider UK legislative context. It represents a truly joined up approach where collaboration and partnership have contributed to a pragmatic ‘tool kit’ that details suggested activities that are evidence based and proven to improve the management of our night time economies.
A copy of the Framework can be accessed on the following link:
http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/safety/substancemisuse/availability/night/?lang=en