London, New York and Philadelphia offer models for California to manage nightlife and safety

SACRAMENTO — Officials from London, New York and Philadelphia described a range of governance tools and data-driven programs they said helped cities preserve nightlife, improve safety and support economic recovery.

Sam Mathis and Julieta from London's 24 Hour team said the mayor's office created a vision for a 24‑hour city and a large evidence base that valued London's nighttime economy at 39 billion (2024) with a 21 billion nightlife subset. London has piloted staggered closing times, extended transport hours and revised local licensing to increase flexibility for night workers and operators.

Marielle Pallets, founding director of New York City's Office of Nightlife, described practical multi‑agency programs used to shift from enforcement‑first models to coordinated problem solving: MASH (multi‑agency support for hospitality), CURE (coordinating a unified response with operators) and MEND (mediation between neighbors and establishments). Pallets said these programs emphasize technical assistance, mediation and harm‑reduction measures such as Narcan placement and staff training.

Ryan (Raheem in earlier references) Manning, Philadelphia's senior nighttime economy director, framed nighttime activity as an economic development priority, reporting a $26.2 billion nighttime economy and urging licensing and permitting reforms to ease the cost of doing business and retain venues.

Panelists said evidence from pilots suggests staggered closing times can reduce street congestion and that a single statewide closing hour is less effective than place‑based flexibility combined with transport and safety planning. Committee members said they will study the governance models and data shared by the cities as they consider possible state actions.