Two-thirds of young voters say political support for the Night Time Economy will directly influence their vote in upcoming local and devolved elections, according to a new poll by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Obsurvant.
As the cost of living crisis continues to erode disposable income, one in three young people say they can no longer afford a night out. The survey reveals that 85% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 86% of 25 to 34-year-olds would be swayed by political backing for nightlife, placing the sector firmly at the centre of voter priorities.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents stated that the issue would impact how they cast their ballot, transforming nightlife, affordability, and access to social spaces into key political battlegrounds. Currently, just 29% of young voters believe the sector is well supported by policymakers.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, warned that young people care deeply about nightlife and are paying close attention to who supports it.
“This is no longer just about leisure, it’s about affordability, access, jobs and cultural life,” Kill said. “Right now, they’re being squeezed from both sides, rising living costs and rising prices across the sector. Businesses are not increasing costs out of choice, but out of necessity.”
The sector has been battling a perfect storm of rising operational costs, with 90% of nightlife businesses experiencing devastating financial impacts following the government’s Autumn Budget.
The NTIA is urgently calling on policymakers at all levels to tackle the cost of living pressures impacting young people. They are demanding a reduction in the tax and financial burdens placed on hospitality businesses to help protect and support local grassroots venues.
Furthermore, the industry body is calling for vital improvements to late-night transport and safety infrastructure to ensure the sector’s role in local economies and cultural identity is properly recognised. The NTIA continues to advocate for the sector on multiple fronts, including shaping panels and debates at major upcoming industry events like The Great Escape 2026 conference.
As election campaigns ramp up across the UK, the message from the youth demographic is clear: politicians who fail to respond risk not only damaging the night-time economy, but losing the confidence of an entire generation of voters.
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In this article: 2026 United Kingdom local elections, 2026 Senedd election. Generated by Wikidata Schema Link Builder.
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