Nighttime governance

Amsterdam has a city team for night culture, Team Nachtcultuur, in its Arts and Culture department. On the last Tuesday of every month, it holds an open hour where organisers and artists can ask about permits and funding. Almost 400 initiatives have come through in four years. A commission of people from nightlife advises on night culture subsidies.

The sector's night council includes clubs, event organisers, collectives and residents, not only the hospitality trade.

The team was set up by a policy agenda, not by law. Amsterdam’s eight districts decide on permits and licences. They all use the same city policy, but an expert said each district applies it differently.

We looked at four elements: whether there is a body for the night, how lasting it is, what powers it has, and whether the sector has an organised voice for culture.