![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/northern-ireland-nightlife-campaigners-call-for-later-public-transport/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127660635_gettyimages-1230723479.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Nightlife plays an important "cultural and social role", says the Free the Night campaign groupLater public transport and staggered closing times for pubs and nightclubs are among measures that would transform nightlife in Northern Ireland.That is according to a new report from the Free the Night organisation, which campaigns to improve nightlife.It also said that major towns and cities in Northern Ireland should appoint dedicated "night czars".Some cities in the UK, such as London, Bristol and Manchester, have appointed specialist night-time economy advisors.Free the Night said nightlife had an important "cultural and social role" in Northern Ireland and brought people and communities together.The first major changes to Northern Ireland's licensing laws in 25 years were agreed by Stormont assembly members in 2021.Among other things, that move extended the opening hours for pubs and clubs and removed Easter restrictions on alcohol sales.But there have been recent complaints from some venues about a shortage of taxis or a lack of public transport to enable people to get home after a night out.In summer last year, Northern Ireland's biggest taxi firm Fonacab said it and other firms had been "absolutely slaughtered with work" due to a shortage of drivers.Better and extended public transport is one of 13 recommendations in the just-published Free the Night report entitled Transforming Nightlife in Northern Ireland.The report said that public transport should reflect the fact that pubs and clubs can now stay open to 03:00 at weekends."Public transport services should be extended in line with the current and amended licensing laws in Northern Ireland, not only improving public safety but social inclusion and social connection too, especially in rural settings," it said.Image caption, Many taxi companies in Northern Ireland have struggled to recruit enough drivers to cover the demand for their services"More night-time public transpo){kind=link}
Later public transport and staggered closing times for pubs and nightclubs are among measures that would transform nightlife in Northern Ireland.
That is according to a new report from the Free the Night organisation, which campaigns to improve nightlife.
It also said that major towns and cities in Northern Ireland should appoint dedicated “night czars”.
Some cities in the UK, such as London, Bristol and Manchester, have appointed specialist night-time economy advisors.
Free the Night said nightlife had an important “cultural and social role” in Northern Ireland and brought people and communities together.