London’s ‘night czar’ Amy Lamé is standing down from her role after eight years.
Announcing her decision, she said the time was right for her to move on but added that it had been a “real privilege to serve Londoners”. She will officially vacate the role at the end of the month.
The position was created by London Mayor Sadiq Khan following his election in 2016, but both he and Lamé have faced questions since over how much impact she has had on London’s nightlife industry. The Mayor’s office said she had “supported hundreds of venues since 2016”.
With licensing decisions remaining in the hands of borough councils in London, critics of the role argued that Lamé didn’t have the necessary powers to make the required impact on London’s nightlife, especially at a time when the industry is suffering amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The Mayor’s office said Lamé, whose salary rose to £132,846 this year, had been “instrumental in reopening fabric, protecting the 100 Club, securing the future of Printworks, securing the reopening of the Black Cap after 10 years of closure, and enabling Drumsheds to open, amongst others”. It also drew attention to her role in launching the Women’s Night Safety Charter, which aims “to put women’s safety at the heart of nighttime businesses and organisations”.
Responding to Lamé resignation, Khan said: ”I’d like to thank Amy for everything that she’s done as the capital’s first-ever night czar. She has worked hard to help London’s nightlife through huge challenges, including the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, and I know she will continue to be a key part of the industry going forward.”
Lamé said: “It has been a huge honour to be London’s – and the UK’s – first-ever night czar, but after eight years I believe that it is the right time for me to move on. It has been a real privilege to serve Londoners and deliver for the mayor, and I’m deeply proud of what has been achieved in the face of so many challenges.”
It’s not yet known whether Lamé will be replaced when she leaves the role.
