San Diego urged to embrace vibrant nighttime economy

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing San Diego's nighttime economy and the need for a dedicated advocate to support this sector. Participants emphasized the importance of nightlife in revitalizing downtown areas and adapting to upcoming changes. A key suggestion was to adopt best practices from other municipalities, particularly the concept of a \"nighttime mayor,\" similar to San Francisco's Ben Van Houtenous, who focuses on promoting nighttime economic activities.

Concerns were raised about recent trends in San Diego, where cabaret licenses have been removed from venues, limiting opportunities for nightlife businesses. The popular Spin nightclub, for instance, lost its cabaret license in the past year, highlighting the challenges faced by local establishments. Advocates called for collaboration with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to explore extending operating hours to 4:00 a.m., which could help foster a more vibrant 24-hour economy.

Additionally, the meeting underscored the need for better representation of nightlife businesses within city government. Participants argued that while there is significant energy and intent to support economic development, it is crucial to channel this focus specifically towards the nighttime economy. The discussion also touched on the potential of existing venues and the lack of larger concert spaces in San Diego, which limits economic opportunities compared to cities like San Francisco.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a collective desire to enhance San Diego's nightlife and ensure that local businesses can thrive in a competitive landscape.