THE creation of a national Night Time Economy Strategy and the appointment of a dedicated Night Time Minister are two of the top priorities highlighted by a new manifesto from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) Scotland.
The association’s Northern Lights manifesto lays out a series of 31 recommendations to help ‘safeguard and transform’ Scotland’s night time economy.
Other recommendations include financial and regulatory reforms – including a reduction in VAT and relief from business rates – initiatives to improve transport and a duty for all local authorities to develop their own night time industries strategies.
The manifesto was authored by licensing lawyer Stephen McGowan, with contributions from industry figures including Mike Grieve (NTIA Scotland chairman and owner of the SubClub), Andrew Fleming-Brown (of SWG3) and NTIA CEO Michael Kill.
“Scotland’s night time economy is not just about bars and clubs,” said Grieve.
“It’s about the creative soul of our towns and cities. Without immediate and strategic government support, we risk losing the venues, voices and businesses that define Scotland’s global cultural identity. Northern Lights is a blueprint for meaningful action—and the time to act is now.”
The full manifesto can be downloaded at https://ntia.co.uk/northern-lights-manifesto-scotland-night-time-economy-2025/
