Night Time Economy Part 2: Mark Davies & James Lawless TD

We’ve already shared the first part of an exploration into Ireland’s Night Time Economy, where DJ and Give Us The Night campaigner, Sunil Sharpe gave us a comprehensive overview of the topic.

In this episode, the concluding part, Zara Hedderman interviews Mark Davies and Deputy James Lawless.

Something discussed in Part One was the importance of a Night Time Economy Advisor - also known as Night Mayers in other parts of the world. As of this year, this role is being piloted in 9 cities across Ireland: in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Buncrana, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Drogheda, where Mark Davies is presently working as its first ever Night Time Economy Advisor. 

Mark spoke to Zara about his previous experiences working with Cardiff County Council and as a DIY musician and describes how they help him effectively navigate his current position. He also explains exactly what’s involved in the role of Night Time Economy Advisor - from organising community workshops, finding ways to enrich and elevate independent musicians and venues and much more. 

Zara also speaks to Deputy James Lawless of Fianna Fail. Deputy Lawless was appointed Chair of the Committee on Justice back in 2020, and a crucial component to reforming Ireland’s licensing laws centres on the Sale of Alcohol Bill. In November of 2023, The Joint Committee on Justice published their report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill, 2022. Deputy Lawless speaks about what’s involved with this bill and how it will impact Ireland’s Night Time Economy, as well as giving some indications into when we can anticipate this bill to complete its legislative journey and herald a new era of what we hope will be an even more vibrant and inviting foundation to a modernised night time culture in Ireland. 

Thanks for listening, I hope you’ve enjoyed these episodes and we’ll be back again soon.