The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission is completing a review of how the Council manages the impact of late-night entertainment in the borough.

The ‘night time economy’ in Hackney includes pubs, bars, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, and live music venues. 

Areas like Shoreditch, Dalston and Stoke Newington have vibrant night lives, and whilst this attracts visitors and businesses to the area, it can cause problems for local residents and put pressure on the public services.

This review wants to look at whether an appropriate balance is being struck between the interests of businesses, visitors and local residents, or whether new interventions are required.

As part of this review the Commission has already heard from relevant Council services, such as waste and licensing services, as well as the police and ambulance service.  The Commission will be hearing from representatives of licensed premises and business associations in Hackney, as well as local resident groups.  Councillors will also be visiting areas in Hackney with a high density of night time venues to see some of the issues on the ground. 

The Commission is keen to hear the views of local residents as part of this review, as well as those going out in Hackney at night.

Cllr Clayeon McKenzie, Chair of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, said: “The night time economy brings potential benefits as well as problems to our area.  We want to explore how to get this balance right and want to hear the views of residents as part of this review.”

The Commission has set up an online survey for residents to share their views to be included in this review. The online survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GN8DMZ7 or paper copies can be requested. The survey closes on the 30th November.

At the end of this review the Commission’s councillors will make recommendations about how services can be improved, based on the evidence they have heard.

For more information visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/scrutiny or telephone: 020 8356 3341.

Notes for Editors

Scrutiny Commissions are made up of Councillors from all political parties who investigate issues of local concern. Reviews are evidence-based and non-political. 

The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission considers issues relating to the environment, sustainability, housing, and culture.