Institute of Licensing and leading national organisations launch new Partnership Charter for the Night Time Economy

The UK’s first Partnership Charter for the Night Time Economy will be launched at the Institute’s flagship conference on 26^th  November 2025.The brainchild of the Institute of Licensing (IoL), the Charter has been produced in collaboration with leading national organisations across the public and private sector.

The Charter aims to promote collaboration, showcase best practice, and support vibrant, inclusive and safe nighttime environments across the UK.

The initiative responds directly to recommendations made by the joint industry and HM Government Licensing Taskforce, which called for improved operating practices and stronger partnerships to support economic growth and community wellbeing.

Led by IoL Patron, Philip Kolvin KC, the Charter’s steering group includes representatives from the Institute of Licensing, National Police Chiefs Council, LIVE, UK Hospitality, UK Crowd Management Association, Night Time Industries Association, Greater London Authority, Six Till Six and others.

Together, they have drafted a set of headline principles that reflect the shared responsibilities of operators, authorities, residents and others working in and around the night time economy:

• A thriving night time economy. This will emphasise programmes which promote vision, strategy, marketing, mentoring, information sharing and training.
• An inclusive night time economy. This will highlight the diversity of users and their needs, accessibility and the inclusivity of the licensing process itself including through use of plain English.
• A safe night time economy. This emphasises the safety for visitors, workers and neighbours.
• A sustainable night time economy. This refers to environmental measures and programmes and sustainable transport.
• Voluntary programmes. This will include programmes such as Best Bar None, Pubwatch and the many other partnership programmes operating in the NTE.
• Working with communities. This refers to schemes such as neighbourhood forums, mediation and schemes such as agent of change and sound attenuation standards.
• A collaborative approach advocates good working relationships between venues and authorities, including transparency, dialogue and mentorship, standards for venue inspections and data collection, and use of the stepped approach.
• Measuring and celebrating success.  This refers to methods to measure the success of the Charter at local level.

We’re inviting partners, signatories and supporters to join the conversation, celebrate the launch, and showcase that they’ve signed up to the Charter by sharing their commitment with hashtag #ENTECharter.

Philip Kolvin KC, IoL Patron, said:

“At the heart of every great town or city is its night-time economy, because of its contribution to culture, social cohesion and the economy. The struggles of the night time economy, and particularly since Covid, are not news, but nor is the depleted resource available to our public services to regulate the sector.

“The Partnership Charter represents a new way, bringing together best practice to enable the public and private sectors to work together to create safe, welcoming and thriving night time economies, for the benefit of all those who live, work, visit or invest in our town and city centres.”

Jon Collins, CEO LIVE, said:

“The Partnership Charter chimes perfectly with LIVE’s values around collaboration, mutual respect and inclusion. For decades now, we have all seen that town and city centres thrive when there is an active, expert partnership between industry, its regulators and other actors.

“This Charter provides a foundation and guidance for all those looking to deliver safe, vibrant public spaces.”

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Alcohol and Licensing, said:

“Everyone should be able to enjoy a safe night out. While police have an important role in enabling this, it is collective partnership working that drives successful solutions for communities.  This is why, on behalf of policing across the UK, the National Police Chiefs’ Council support this charter, and we sign up to being part of its commitment and principles today.

“It is important to build on examples of best practice that enhance the lives of many, and police will always seek to work in partnership to prevent crime and protect people. However, we will also take immediate enforcement action when required.

“As we enter the period of festive celebrations, it is positive to see the launch of this charter, and we hope it drives forward the continuation of activity to allow everyone to have safe and enjoyable nights out.”

Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair UKHospitality, said:

“Strengthening the night-time economy through a clear and collaborative framework is vital, and I’m delighted to see the Partnership Charter launched in direct synergy with the Licensing Taskforce’s recent recommendations.

“This charter reflects a shared commitment to recapturing the original intent of licensing—to support growth, safeguard communities, and meet consumer needs.

“UKHospitality is proud to have played an important role in shaping this work, and we are fully behind its delivery. I urge all hospitality businesses to support the charter, ensuring its principles are embraced in full and its benefits realised across the sector.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and VP International Nightlife Association, said:

“The Night Time Economy is one of the UK’s most dynamic cultural and economic assets, but it can only thrive through meaningful partnership. This Charter represents a vital step forward, bringing operators, regulators, local authorities and communities together with a shared commitment to collaboration, best practice and long-term sustainability.

“At a time of continued challenges for our sector, this framework provides clarity, direction and unity. The NTIA is proud to support this initiative, which champions safety, inclusivity and growth while protecting the unique identity of our towns and cities after dark. Partnership is not optional, it’s essential.”