Special nightlife mayor could help to boost pub and club trade in Cork city

CORK City Council is being urged to appoint a night mayor in order to boost nightlife in the city centre following the outbreak and impact of Covid-19.

Labour Local Area Rep Peter Horgan believes such a role could help the pub and nightclub industry in Cork recover.

"This is a crucial point in securing the night-time cultural soul of our city and expanding," said Mr Horgan.

“Venues are under pressure, like all business, but do not have the luxury in a lot of instances of adapting business practices wholesale. We need to reimagine and reoffer what Cork city has, from pub and nightclub options to late-night cafes and alcohol free alternatives."

"Other cities around the world have adopted such a role as a focal point to advocate and argue for the night-time sector. Not just for tourists but those who live in the city and suburbs. People want to get out and engage again once safe to do so. 

"We need to make sure the concerns, the obstacles and the opportunities are not benign shouted into the wind, but heard at the decision levels it needs to be heard, both local and national.

“Late night venues, with reasonable opening hours comparable to those in other major European cities, aren’t just good for the people who want to enjoy them, they also contribute massively to the local economy."

"It can be called a night mayor, a director of nightlife and culture but I don't think people care about the title. They want a point person to push the changes through that has the support of political and executive bodies, and crucially, the sector itself."