Accessibility Statement
Website designed & developed by Plaster
The recently published National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors is an important milestone for the future of the night time economy. The new framework celebrates the power of partnership working exemplified by Bristol Nights, which has played an active and influential role in the framework’s development through various activities including championing the Agent of Change planning principle.
You may have seen the announcement from government about the new National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors.
This is a moment for all of us to celebrate, because Bristol’s partnership model is front and centre. This new framework recognises our approach, and this achievement reflects the creativity, commitment, and collaboration that define our city after dark. From Bristol Rules and Stop Spiking, to Thrive at Night, the Women’s Safety Charter, Harm Reduction guidance, and the Bristol Music Fund, our collective work is now recognised as national best practice.
Bristol’s voice has shaped this new framework: we sat on the National Licensing Policy Taskforce, championed the Agent of Change principle, and many of you contributed your expertise and lived experience to consultations. Bristol Nights is a citywide nightlife community, and it's the innovation from venue owners, sector leadership, frontline staff, and in every conversation we have that has collaboratively designed the Bristol Nights approach. Together, we have shown what is possible when businesses, venues, academics, police, and the wider night time community work side by side and adapt as we go.
Our partnership has not only influenced national licensing policy. We are helping to build the case for new laws. The upcoming criminal offence for drink spiking in the Crime and Policing Bill directly cited Bristol's model in the evidence case for reform. The impact of our collaboration is truly global. Cities around the world, from Leipzig to Dallas and Ottawa to Sacramento, are now looking to Bristol as a model for safer, more vibrant nights, and creating their own citywide nightlife interventions.
Key priorities in the new national licencing policy framework include:
In short, our partnership is now a national model for success. Thank you for everything you do to make Bristol’s nights safer, more welcoming, and more inspiring. None of this would be possible without the passion and expertise you bring to our shared mission.
Together, our future is bright. I look forward to continuing to build a night time economy we can all be proud of.
