10 Sep How partnership with Hackney Nights and levy-funded training are keeping London safer this summer
As part of our Summer Event Safety campaign, we’re spotlighting Hackney Nights – a borough-wide safety initiative funded by Hackney’s late-night levy and supported by the Mayor of London. The programme provides free training and support to licensed venues, helping them operate safely and confidently.
With over 3,800 venue staff trained, Hackney Nights is a leading example of how levy-funded partnerships and collaboration with Safer Business Network (SBN) are delivering real-world safety outcomes across one of London’s busiest night-time economies.
We spoke with Miguel Campbell-Lewis, Late Night Levy Manager at Hackney London Borough Council, about the programme’s impact and priorities for the summer ahead.
How would you describe your partnership with Safer Business Network (SBN)?
Our partnership with SBN is fantastic – it’s strategic, responsive and built on shared values. Since launch, over 3,800 venue staff have received WAVE training with regular programme reviews ensuring content stays relevant.
SBN’s trainers are not only knowledgeable but also deeply connected to the realities of the night-time economy, and venues consistently praise their relatable approach. Their ability to respond quickly to emerging issues also helps us stay ahead of evolving safety needs.
What are the key safety challenges Hackney typically faces during busy summer evenings?
Hackney’s night-time economy is one of the most vibrant in the UK. During the summer, a sharp rise in footfall puts added pressure on venues to manage crowds and respond quickly to incidents.
That’s why we prioritise annual training for every venue, focusing on safeguarding, early intervention and staff confidence. Programmes like WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) and Ask For Angela are central to this approach, helping teams stay prepared and proactive.
How does the late-night levy help address these challenges?
The late-night levy is helping because we are able to manage our night-time economy areas better – funding more police officers and council officers, along with implementing various programs to ensure the night-time economy is safer.
We’re transparent about how funds are used and regularly engage with venues through Pubwatch and the Late Night Levy Board. For example, conflict management training was introduced based on direct feedback from the venue. When a specific issue is raised, we work with SBN to develop a tailored solution, ensuring venues get the support they need, when they need it.
What impact has SBN’s training had on venue staff and the wider community?
SBN’s training has significantly boosted staff confidence in handling incidents such as harassment and drink spiking. Teams now understand not just how to respond but how to report effectively.
This shift has helped create a more transparent, accountable and safer night-time environment for everyone.
What kind of feedback have you received from venues?
Feedback from venues has been overwhelmingly positive. Compared to previous training models, SBN’s sessions are seen as more engaging, relevant and grounded in real industry experience.
In-person workshops include breakout groups and scenario-based learning which staff say helps them think critically and respond confidently. The familiar tone and practical approach really develop a sense of shared responsibility across teams.
What are your key priorities for night-time safety this summer and beyond?
Our top priority is expanding training to ensure every venue in Hackney is confident, prepared and aligned with best practice.
We’re particularly focused on tackling violence against women and girls, and creating night-time spaces that are safe, inclusive and welcoming for all. Continued collaboration with SBN will be key to delivering this vision.
Looking ahead and leading by example
As one of London’s most proactive boroughs, we strongly believe that Hackney continues to lead by example – demonstrating how levy-funded training and strategic partnerships with organisations like SBN can create safer, more confident spaces for everyone enjoying the night-time economy.
Captions: With over 3,800 venue staff trained, Hackney Nights shows how levy-funded partnerships with Safer Business Network are making nightlife safer. Credit / Copyright: Hackney Council