The sector has welcomed today’s extension of the Night Tube and predicted a resulting boost in sales.
The late-night service launches tonight on the Piccadilly Line joining the Central, Victoria, Jubilee and Northern lines.
According to research by CACI the latest extension will enable the highest relative economic benefit. The research ranks all zone 1 and 2 stations by the potential economic impacts, taking account of the proximity of more than 3,000 venues near tube stations on the night tube initiative.
Toby Smith, chief executive of Novus Leisure, welcomed the news, telling MCA: “Our Friday and Saturday numbers have steadily improved since the introduction of the late night tube with a marked step up in November.
“This has been particularly prevalent in the West End where Saturdays in particular have been in double digit growth for a number of weeks with the post 11pm trading session very strong.
“We can’t wait for the Piccadilly line to begin which covers most of the Novus Estate in five stops from Holborn to Green Park.”
Alan Miller, chairman of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “It is fantastic news that we will have the Piccadilly Line operating as a 24 hour weekend Night Tube.
“Allowing people from areas as far as Cockfosters to travel speedily and inexpensively across London means no longer having the dreaded speed-drink post theatre to scramble for the last train.
“For workers, tourists and customers alike it is great as well as for business and London generally. It is of course a grave concern that in the midst of all of this good news, the reluctance of councils to grant 24 hour licenses for licensed premises - and holding them accountable for a plethora of issues when they’re professionally run , is suffocating some of London’s greatness.
“We are all for a range of activity, from late night galleries to gymnasiums, crèches and salons - however it is on the dance floor that so much of what names Britain so appealing and dynamic occurs. So while this is great news, we hope that all 33 London councils become champions of a 24 hour future leading capital.”
ALMR chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Of the 15 top ranked stations, a third are on the Piccadilly Line, including the top two - Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus - and Green Park, which is a key interchange between three of the 24 hour lines.
“Leicester Square alone has 11.5 times the night-time potential compared to an average tube station. So the Piccadilly Line night tube is the final piece in the jigsaw that will hopefully benefit a hospitality trade that otherwise faces many pressures - this is a welcome positive.”
