Key Points
- Hackney Council has unveiled its inaugural nightlife strategy, titled “Good Evening Hackney,” aiming to make the borough’s nightlife safer, more inclusive, and sustainable.
- The plan introduces welfare pop-ups, a Hackney Nights map, venue accreditation, and new initiatives to combat phone theft and drink spiking.
- Venues can access comprehensive staff training and noise reduction advice to prevent closures and complaints.
- Outdoor dining and drinking in Shoreditch will be extended until midnight, supported by a £100,000 grant from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets Fund.
- The council will collaborate with local organisations to offer arts and culture discounts to low-income families, ensuring inclusivity.
- Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, emphasised the need to balance economic benefits with residents’ needs and safety.
- The strategy responds to changing leisure habits and aims to keep Hackney at the forefront of London’s nightlife destinations.
- Accredited venues benefit from a 30% reduction in late night levy fees and access to regular training and guidance.
- The plan was developed with input from residents, businesses, and key partners, reflecting a borough-wide commitment to safety and vibrancy.
Hackney Council has launched its first-ever nightlife strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to enhance safety, inclusivity, and vibrancy in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. The “Good Evening Hackney” strategy, revealed in late June 2025, sets out a vision for a thriving night-time economy that benefits both residents and businesses while addressing the challenges posed by after-dark activities.
What Is the “Good Evening Hackney” Nightlife Strategy?
The “Good Evening Hackney” strategy marks a significant milestone for Hackney Council as it seeks to balance the borough’s renowned nightlife with the needs of its diverse community. As reported by London The Inside, the plan aims to make Hackney safer for everyone who enjoys its night-time offerings.
According to Megan Townsend, Deputy Editor at Mixmag, the council’s announcement on 27 June 2025 outlined a multi-pronged approach to promoting Hackney as a nightlife destination, while improving standards for local businesses and ensuring the safety of visitors and residents alike.
Ryan Moss of Promotion Centre notes that the plan’s core priorities include public safety, inclusive access to cultural events, and support for venues adapting to evolving leisure patterns.
How Will Safety and Welfare Be Improved in Hackney’s Nightlife?
Safety is at the heart of the new strategy. As detailed by Hackney Council’s official news release, welfare pop-ups staffed by council enforcement teams are already operational in Shoreditch, providing passersby with free water, phone charging, safety equipment, and advice. These initiatives have generated significant positive attention on social media.
Megan Townsend of Mixmag highlights that the council has introduced a new initiative to tackle phone theft: residents and visitors can now have their phones tagged with unique QR codes, making it easier for police to track stolen devices.
In addition, a “Hackney Nights” map will soon be available, helping people navigate the borough after dark by highlighting night transport options, safe routes, public toilets, accredited venues, and other key safety landmarks.
What Is the Venue Accreditation Scheme and How Does It Work?
The Hackney Nights venue accreditation scheme is a cornerstone of the strategy. As explained on the Hackney Council website, accredited venues must meet rigorous standards, including comprehensive staff training on vulnerability, welfare, “Ask for Angela” protocols, and drink spiking prevention.
Staff at accredited venues are also trained to uphold zero tolerance towards violence against women, sexual harassment, and hate crime, ensuring that all patrons feel safe and welcome. Venues must also implement robust noise policies, sustainable practices, and community engagement measures.
Accredited venues benefit from a 30% reduction in late night levy fees, a financial incentive introduced after the pandemic to encourage participation and enhance safety standards.
Samantha Mathys, Late Night Levy Manager at Hackney Council, stated during the scheme’s launch event:
“We have placed Hackney’s values at the forefront of our night time strategy, including hate-free policies and ensuring we give venues the proper knowledge and tools to conquer and stamp out misogyny and sexual harassment, prevent crime and have more aware and informed customers and staff”.
How Will the Strategy Support Local Businesses and Cultural Inclusivity?
The strategy recognises the importance of supporting local businesses and maintaining Hackney’s status as a leading nightlife destination. As reported by Ryan Moss of Promotion Centre, the plan includes proposals for late-night street food, shopping, and cultural events, with extended outdoor dining in Shoreditch made possible by a £100,000 grant from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets Fund.
Hackney Council is also collaborating with local organisations to offer discounts on arts and culture events to low-income families, aiming to make the borough’s nightlife accessible to all residents.
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, told Hackney Council News:
“I am proud of Hackney’s vibrant evening and night economy, which has created huge benefits for Hackney – new jobs, more investment, a better range of leisure opportunities for residents, and continually thriving high streets despite a changing economy. It has also brought challenges, including managing the impact of nighttime activities on the needs of residents, and keeping venues and public spaces safe from crime and antisocial behaviour. This new nighttime strategy is vital in balancing these opportunities and challenges. It aims to ensure that local residents and businesses are the first to benefit from Hackney’s evening economy and that the borough stays safe, inclusive and vibrant at night”.
How Was the Strategy Developed and What Input Was Considered?
The development of the “Good Evening Hackney” strategy was informed by extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and workers. As outlined in the Hackney Night Time Strategy Consultation, the council sought to understand the views and experiences of all stakeholders to ensure the final plan reflected the needs of the entire community.
The strategy sets out a vision for the evening and night time (6 pm to 6 am), providing guidance for partner organisations, residents, and businesses to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant night-time economy.
What Challenges Does Hackney’s Nightlife Face and How Will the Strategy Address Them?
Hackney’s nightlife has long been a source of economic growth and cultural vibrancy, but it has also presented challenges such as noise complaints, antisocial behaviour, and public safety concerns. The new strategy aims to tackle these issues head-on through a combination of welfare initiatives, staff training, community engagement, and support for sustainable business practices.
As reported by Leonie Martin of Pagefield, previous attempts to impose restrictive licensing laws in Hackney met with significant opposition from residents and business owners, who feared a negative impact on the borough’s cultural life. The new strategy seeks to strike a balance between supporting the night-time economy and protecting the quality of life for all residents.
What Statements Have Been Made by Key Stakeholders?
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, speaking to both Hackney Council News and Mixmag, emphasised:
“This new nighttime strategy is vital in balancing these opportunities and challenges. It aims to ensure that local residents and businesses are the first to benefit from Hackney’s evening economy and that the borough stays safe, inclusive and vibrant at night. But it is also an acknowledgement that Hackney can’t stay at the cutting-edge by standing still. We know that how people choose to spend their time and money is changing, and we want Hackney to remain a go-to destination through that change”.
Samantha Mathys, Late Night Levy Manager, added:
“With the help of these partners we have created an accreditation focused on safety and inclusivity, in line with the Council’s overarching commitment to making Hackney safe for all. This new scheme will give staff in our licensed venues access to quality training to ensure they are equipped to deal with any issue that could arise”.
How Will the Strategy Be Monitored and What Are the Next Steps?
The council has committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders through forums and feedback mechanisms, ensuring that the strategy remains responsive to changing needs and challenges. The Hackney Nights portal will provide regular updates, training opportunities, and resources for venues and licensees, supporting continuous improvement across the borough’s night-time economy.
What Does the Launch of the Nightlife Strategy Mean for Hackney?
The launch of the “Good Evening Hackney” strategy represents a proactive, collaborative approach to managing the borough’s nightlife. By prioritising safety, inclusivity, and sustainability, Hackney Council aims to ensure that the borough continues to thrive as a leading destination for night-time culture while safeguarding the interests of all its residents and businesses.
