Creating A NIGHT tIME FOR everyone.
ABout us.
Free The Night is a non-profit organisation that is committed to creating a safe, progressive and culturally rich environment for nightlife in Northern Ireland.
We identify and challenge key issues within the night time economy that stops it reaching its true potential. We provide evidence-based best practices and engage with frontline services, policy makers, local authorities, local businesses and the individuals who work in these spaces.
We work collaboratively with other organisations to highlight the need for a progressive night time economy in Northern Ireland. Our supporters cover multiple demographics, ages, interests and cultural backgrounds. We encourage everyone to get involved in building a better future for Northern Ireland.
25 years later and no progress. Why?
Our government have been reviewing the entertainment licensing laws since 1996. In that time, we’ve seen a reduction of opening times, more restrictions on venues and a lack of clarity on why. 25 years on, it’s time for a more progressive approach.
What do we want?
Our plan is simple;
To extend entertainment licensing and improve licensing structures.
A comprehensive review of licensing to allow the creative industry to bounce back and grow post-pandemic.
To remove any licensing restrictions which negatively impact the growth of the night time economy.
A safe environment for all members of society in our towns and cities at night.
Better infrastructure for those who work and go out at night.
The creation of safe, inclusive, multi-purpose spaces for communities.
If you’d like to read more about our plans, our mandate, or the terms of reference for our organisation you can download them below.
Here’s a short list of opening times in UK cities and further afield. How can our promoters and local artists ever compete?
AMSTERDAM
24HRS
Athens
23:59—0800
Berlin
24hrs
London
23:00—08:00
Glasgow
22:00—04:00
Bratislava
23:00—08:00
Belfast
TBC
“we've had a chance to experience 24-hour nightlife which is a massive improvement on what we had growing up in Belfast.
It seems crazy to eject the entire city at the same time.”
— BICEP
FAQs
What are the current licensing laws?
Pubs, bars and nightclubs have licences that permit the sale of alcohol until 11pm, 12am or 1am. Most venues have a 30-minute drinking up time. Some venues, like nightclubs, can apply for a 3am entertainment licence which can be used on any day, asides from during Sunday and Easter restrictions.
What are the current amendments to the licensing laws?
All establishments, which previously served alcohol until 11am or 1am, will now be able to sell alcohol until 2am. Nightclubs and other entertainment venues must still finish by 3am and must now only operate until this time for 104 nights per year.
What are our objections to the licensing laws
Even after 25 years, our opening times remain the most restrictive in the UK and Europe. A key opportunity to rebuild and grow the night time economy and creative industries post-pandemic has been missed.
You can read further about our objections here.
What is the night time economy?
The night time economy can be defined as any activity that occurs between the periods of 6pm to 6am, though in some cities this can be later. It is the UK’s 5th largest industry, accounting for 8% of employment.
Who uses the night time economy?
Lots of us. Restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs, live music venues, theatres, DJs, artists, promoters, musicians, bartenders, hospitality workers, security guards, sound & visual technicians, public transport workers, taxi drivers and frontline services all use the night-time economy on a regular basis.
How can I help?
Become a supporter by signing up to our mailing list. You’ll receive regular updates about campaign progress and other ways to help. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and help us to get our message out there.
If you’d like to become a volunteer, email us at info@freethenight.org