What is Hackney Nights?

Hackney Nights is Hackney Council’s dedicated night-time economy team, working to support licensed venues, cultural spaces, hospitality businesses and event organisers across the borough. We act as a central point of contact for venues, helping businesses navigate licensing, safety, security, noise management and operational challenges while championing a vibrant, diverse and responsible night-time economy.

Our goal is simple: to help venues thrive while ensuring Hackney remains a safe, welcoming and world-class destination for nightlife, culture, entertainment and hospitality.

Whether you run a pub, bar, nightclub, restaurant, live music venue, event space or are considering opening a new venue in Hackney, we’re here to help.

Get started

Free CCTV and Radio Scheme

Venues that contribute to the Late Night Levy can benefit from a free CCTV radio however venues that do not contribute, may come at a cost.

This includes access to:

Free town centre radio provision
Free CCTV support and equipment where applicable
Access to partnership safety initiatives
Direct communication with partners including CCTV, MET Police, Hackney Enforcement officers, Hackney Medics and neighbouring venues

These tools help businesses share information, respond quickly to incidents and contribute to a safer night-time environment for staff and customers.

Dedicated Night-Time Safety Services

Hackney Nights invests in services that support both venues and visitors during busy periods.

This includes provision of:

Dedicated street medics operating within the night-time economy
Welfare support for vulnerable individuals
Partnership working with emergency services and local venues

These services operate separately from ambulance provision and help ensure people receive appropriate assistance while reducing pressure on emergency services.

Licensing and Business Support

We provide practical support and guidance for both existing and prospective venue operators.

Our team can assist with:

Licensing advice and signposting
Venue management best practice
Event planning support
Regulatory guidance
Safety and security advice
Connections to relevant council departments and partner organisations

If you are considering opening a new venue in Hackney, we encourage you to contact us at the earliest opportunity. Early engagement can help identify opportunities, address potential challenges and support a smoother licensing and planning process.

Noise Management and Mitigation Advice

Managing noise effectively is essential for a successful and sustainable venue.

Hackney Nights can provide guidance and signposting on:

Noise mitigation measures
Venue design considerations
Operational management plans
Good neighbour policies
Managing customer dispersal
Sound insulation and acoustic considerations

Taking proactive steps to manage noise can help protect your business, maintain positive relationships with local residents and support long-term success.

Agent of Change Guidance

Hackney is home to a thriving cultural and entertainment scene, and protecting existing venues is a key priority.

We can provide advice on the Agent of Change Principle, which places responsibility on new developments to mitigate the impact of existing noise-generating businesses and cultural venues.

Whether you are:

Opening a new venue
Developing residential accommodation near existing venues
Expanding an existing business

Our team can help signpost relevant guidance and ensure potential impacts are considered early in the process.

Safety, Security and Training

Keeping Hackney’s night-time economy safe is at the heart of everything we do.

We support venues through:

Crime prevention initiatives
Counter-terrorism and protective security advice
Violence reduction programmes
Vulnerability and safeguarding training
Ask for Angela training
VAWG initiatives
Conflict management training
Spiking awareness initiatives
Welfare support guidance
Major event planning and briefings

Communications and Alerts

Through the Hackney Nights network, venues receive timely updates and information, including:

Crime and incident alerts
Noise alerts
Planning alerts
Safety updates
Major event briefings
Licensing and regulatory changes
Training opportunities

Taking proactive steps to manage noise can help protect your business, maintain positive relationships with local residents and support long-term success.

We have found Hackney Nights to be an accessible and pragmatic initiative that supports stakeholders across the night-time economy in prioritising the safety of staff and customers. Communications between venues and the local authority has improved dramatically, and we have seen improvements in areas like noise complaints, harassment awareness, welfare engagement, and deescalation practice. By encouraging a dynamic of partnership, we have been able to address problems effectively.

Dan Beaumont

Dalston Pubwatch Co-Chair, Dalston Superstore

We have been providing medical support services to Hackney Nights for the last four years and do our utmost to keep a regular frontline presence to support enforcement officers and the public with medical needs and safeguarding. This is a vital service provided by Hackney nights and as such they have built up a good rapport with the residents and business holders within the community. We as a business are privileged to be able to support them in keeping their nighttime economy a safe and welcoming area not only for their residents but also visitors alike.

Lloyd Wells

Oak Valley Events South

Hackney Nights is an inspiring and inclusive initiative that brings people, businesses and authorities together to create a safe, well operated and well represented Night Time Economy. The initiative is thoughtful, well-organised, and genuinely reflects the diversity and energy of Hackney, and listens to its residents and business operators to achieve its mission. We have all seen improvements in the Night Time Economy through their hard work and dedication to improving the borough for everyone.

Adam Popple

Hackney Central Pubwatch Chair, Operations Manager OSLO

What sets Hackney Nights apart is their genuine partnership approach to community safety. They work with venues, residents and businesses to co-create solutions. This consistent engagement means they truly understand the challenges facing our night-time economy and community. Their visibility on the ground is exceptional, and for small businesses navigating the complex licensing landscape, Hackney Nights has been transformational. They demonstrate daily what excellent frontline public service looks like: accessible, community-focused, practical and collaborative.

Kerry Maisey

Dalston Pubwatch Co-Chair

Hackney Nights has been instrumental in strengthening Hackney’s commitment to a safe night-time economy. The results speak for themselves – better-informed businesses, more responsive problem-solving, and a more welcoming environment for everyone in Hackney after dark. They have provided vital guidance, intelligence and on-the-ground support. Together, this partnership has delivered measurable improvements in venue compliance, community satisfaction, and public safety. We are proud to work side by side with such committed professionals.

Amanda Griggs

Police Licensing Sergeant Hackney Borough

Hackney is one of London’s most exciting destinations for hospitality, culture and nightlife. If you’re thinking about opening a new venue, bar, restaurant, club, live music venue or event space, contact Hackney Nights early in your journey.

We can help you understand:

The licensing process
Planning considerations
Noise management requirements
The Agent of Change Principle
Safety and security expectations
Local partnerships and support available

Engaging with us early can save time, reduce delays and help set your business up for long-term success.

Working together

Hackney’s pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, live music venues and cultural spaces are at the heart of the borough’s identity. Through collaboration, communication and partnership, we can continue to build a night-time economy that is safe, resilient, inclusive and successful for businesses, workers, residents and visitors alike.

Start now to get all the benefits of being an accredited venue.

Get started

Hackney Nights – Supporting Venues, Investing in Safety and Championing Hackney’s Night-Time Economy.