Comedian Amy Lamé announced as London’s first Night Czar

Sadiq Khan has appointed US-born comedian Amy Lamé will as London’s first ever night czar, a new position aimed at protecting the city’s nightlife

Amy Lamé a television presenter and comedian, perhaps best known for her work on Danny Baker’s London Show has been appointed as London’s first official Night Czar. The new position, created by mayor Sadiq Khan, has been created to help combat the city’s ailing nighttime economy. In the past year a number of venues, including key nightclub fabric, have closed down and Lamé’s job will be to ensure the safety of other venues in the future and to make London’s nightlife thrive again.

Speaking of her new role Ms Lamé says that, “It’s a privilege to be London’s very first night czar. I can’t wait to hit the streets and have loads of ideas of what I can do for revellers, night-time workers, businesses and stakeholders.” Adding that “For too long, the capital’s night-time industry has been under pressure — music venues and nightclubs in particular are closing at an alarming rate. With the advent of the Night Tube, and the Mayor’s commitment to protect iconic venues across the city, I’m confident that I can inspire a positive change in the way people think about the night-time economy.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also offered a statement on the appointment: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of London’s first-ever night czar. The recent closure of the world-famous nightclub Fabric [in Farringdon] and the threats facing other venues across the capital show why Amy will be a much-needed ambassador for the city after dark.”

Ms Lamé will apparently be working closely with the police, Transport for London and the Night Time Commission, a team made up of local planning and licensing authorities, club and venue owners. One of her first duties will be a series of monthly “night surgeries” in which she will meet businesses, workers, residents and revellers to shape her action plan.

For more insight on the global nightlife crisis read our recent Perspective feature on the future of 24-hour cities.