Scottish Lib Dems back proposals to support night-time economy

At their Autumn Conference, Scottish Liberal Democrats have agreed a series of measures to support and improve Scotland’s night-time economy.

 The party is calling on the Scottish Government to: 

• Improve public safety in city centres at night by increasing visible policing in hot spots for antisocial behaviour, as well as improving communication networks between the police and night-time businesses like pubs and clubs.
• Work with all public transport provides in large towns and cities to increase the frequency and reliability of late-night services.
• Improve public safety on night-time public transport services, making these services safer for individuals belonging to more marginalised groups, helping them participate more fully in the night-time economy.  

Party members also backed an amendment which calls for the impact on residents to be taken into account when supporting and promoting the night-time economy. 

Mike Grieve, who owns Sub Club in Glasgow and chairs the Night Time Industries Association, recently said that Scotland is ‘behind the curve’ in supporting the night-time economy.

Daniel O’Malley, the Scottish Liberal Democrats' lead candidate for the Glasgow region at the coming Holyrood elections, said:

“By backing this motion, Scottish Liberal Democrats are sending a clear message that Scotland's night-time industries deserve better and opportunity to thrive.

“These industries are vital to our culture and our economy, but they’re grappling with a number of challenges amid venue closures, the hike to National Insurance, antisocial behaviour and the axing of key night-time bus routes and train services that cause people to stay at home. Bar staff, security staff and customers deserve better.

“Increasing public safety has a big part to play in addressing those challenges, and that’s reflected in the measures that our party has backed today.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are committed to delivering solutions that will put Scotland ahead of the curve in supporting our night-time industries and getting our economy thriving. Everyone can back that by voting for the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the second, peach regional ballot next May."