SDLP Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite has welcomed a visit by London’s Night Czar Amy Lamé to examine ways to support the development of Belfast’s night-time economy.

Councillor de Faoite has proposed that Belfast examine ways to support activity and economic development at night, including the potential of appointing the city’s own night-time champion.

He said:

“I welcome the advice and expertise London’s Night Czar Amy Lamé has to offer Belfast about how to develop our night-time economy and how our public services operate between 6pm and 6am.

“The night-time is forgotten about or ignored far too often. We will be working with the council and relevant partners to broaden everyone’s understanding of what happens in Belfast at night - it’s not just about pubs, clubs and bars, but it’s about public services and facilities.

“The SDLP has campaigned for some time to see night bus services expanded and crucial support provided to the arts and cultural sectors to create and maintain livelihoods in these valuable industries.

“We’ve also raised the need to support night-time and shift workers who are currently abandoned by Cinderella public transport services and poor access to fresh food and groceries.”