Thriving 24/7 Economy

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Shanghai's Time-Based Outdoor Dining Initiative

April 2026, China

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Background and ChallengeShanghai, as a global metropolis, faces the challenge of balancing commercial vibrancy with urban management. Outdoor dining (外摆位) has historical roots in Shanghai, but strict regulations on street vending and outdoor commercial activity, including bans on extending business operations beyond shop premises, had long constrained business vitality. In December 2022, Shanghai amended its Municipal Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Regulations. With respect to outdoor dining, the Regulations changed the relevant wording from “prohibited” to“prohibited without authorization,” which opened new possibilities for regulated outdoor dining. Since then, Shanghai has been continuously refining policies and service ecosystems, exploring efficient governance models to boost outdoor dining and the nighttime economy. In accordance with the municipal framework, district governments have updated their policies in this area to better manage and facilitate the orderly development of street vending and outdoor dining. Huangpu district, for example, issued version 2.0 of its outdoor dining policy in February 2026, expanding eligible locations for outdoor seating and permits extended operating hours for participating businesses, including bars and cafes. This policy development signals an acceleration in the development of Shanghai’s outdoor dining and nighttime economy.Policy TimelineThe revised Shanghai Municipal Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Regulations took effect on December 1, 2022, providing the legal foundation for subsequent reforms to allow greater flexibility for outdoor dining. Building on this, the Guidelines on Further Regulating Street Vending Activities (Trial), published on July 5, 2023, specifies that landmark nightlife areas, cultural districts, commercial circles, and scenic spots may permit time-based outdoor dining accounting for festivals and seasonal changes. Measures on Further Supporting the Development of Popular Nighttime Economy Landmarks were then jointly published on August 21, 2025 by the Shanghai Commission of Commerce and seven other Shanghai municipal authorities. The Measures support outdoor dining in areas of local landmarks during nighttime and aim to develop unique scenes of “outdoor dining economy.” In February 2026, the Huangpu District of Shanghai released two revised policy guidelines for street vending activities and outdoor dining. The two guidelines aim to create “outdoor dining–friendly neighborhoods” that attract both residents and tourists for leisure and consumption.Innovative ApproachDaxue Road of the city’s Yangpu District demonstrates a robust and innovative approach to outdoor dining management. The Road’s management authority led the establishment of an independent committee in 2019 that brings together the government, universities, enterprises, and local residents to jointly contribute to outdoor dining management in the neighbourhood. Since 2023, management standards have been developed and upgraded to version 2.0, adopting a “one road, one plan; one store, one standard” approach. These standards specify permitted zones and areas, unify facility materials, styles, and colors, and establish transparent approval processes with property and multi-department assessments. Accountability is enforced through formal self-governance guidelines: violations can result in loss of outdoor seating privileges, and serious or repeated infractions may lead to non-renewal of business leases. The 700-meter street now hosts nearly 80 specialty merchants, with outdoor seating increasing some businesses' revenue by approximately 30%. To address weather concerns, transparent wind shields were added in winter 2024, boosting sales by 24% from December to March, with February recording nearly 40% growth.The Measures issued in August 2025 facilitate the setup of outdoor seating at popular nighttime landmarks in Shanghai, add temporary outdoor seats for major festivals and simplify approval procedures for nighttime events. It also adds temporary nighttime parking spaces and pick-up points and promote time-based free parking areas. It encourages nighttime tourist bus routes that connect landmark buildings and nighttime economy sites, upgrades regional nighttime landscape lighting with 24-hour window displays lighting to create a unique commercial atmosphere.Additionally, the two latest policy documents released by Huangpu District in 2026 relax regulations on outdoor dining, including expanding eligible locations (such as permitting it in certain historical areas), extending operating hours for businesses with outdoor seating, and streamlining application procedures for individual businesses to establish outdoor seating areas.OutcomesAccording to the 2025 China Urban Nighttime Economy Index released by CBN and Rising Lab, Shanghai ranked first nationally with 4.03 million active nighttime outings in 2024. Since June 2025, nighttime consumption reached 88.09 billion yuan, up 3.3% year-on-year. In late July 2025, Shanghai designated its first batch of five “Nighttime Economy Popular Landmarks” and five “Nightlife Destinations.”Authors:Yacheng Sun is Professor of Marketing, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University.Maggie Wenjing Liu is Associate Professor of Marketing, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University.Lesley Luyang Song is Associate Professor of Marketing, School of Management,Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
People's Republic of China
Shanghai’s “Time-Based Outdoor Dining” Initiative: Balancing Urban Vitality and Order
This report provides detailed economic performance data for the latest financial year for which official data is available (2022/23). The report also includes data and maps relating to opening hours and clustering of businesses, using a snapshot of business activity data from July 2024. Further detail on the methodology and data sources used in this document can be found in the Appendix. Economic data has been prepared for 88 Australian cities and is summarised in Table 5 on p109 of the Appendix.
Australia
Australia's CCCLM Night Time Economy Report
The strategy was developed after extensive consultation with local communities. This included residents, focus groups, representatives from the retail, liquor and entertainment sectors as well as key government leaders."The breadth of this work is unprecedented internationally, and represents Sydney’s commitment to improving residents’, visitors’ and business experience at night. I want to thank those who have worked with us to help shape this vision."Other related reports containing valuable insights -such as CBA, policy consultation, discussion and international evidence- are also available through the OPEN's webpage. 
Australia
OPEN Sydney: Strategies and Action Plan 2013-2030
The NSW Productivity and Equality Commission has identified regulatory barriers that increase cost or complexity for businesses and constrain productivity and economic growth in the NTE.. The review provides evidence-based recommendations to remove or reduce those barriers.
Australia
"Review of regulatory barriers impeding a vibrant 24-hour economy "
"24H+ is about building an increasingly integrated and efficient economy that works for everyone and that never sleeps. It is a bold national strategy to transform Ghana’s economy into a self-reliant, industrially competitive, and export-driven one - with fully integrated value chains - that is characterised by efficient market systems, a globally competitive workforce, and strong regional and global trade integration, resulting in sustainable inclusive growth, decent jobs, reduced import dependency, and increased resilience to external shocks."
Ghana
24 Hour Economy. Ghana's National Agenda for Productivity, Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth
The city of Sydney's data hub provides an open-source data base with dashboards and geospatial mapping tools. Useful for researchers, businesses, and the community.
Australia
City of Sydney Data Hub
This study was conducted at the request of the RATP and the City of Paris (Time Office and Department of Roads and Mobility).This exploratory study reviews the profound transformations in society that have made nighttime a time like any other and highlights the specific challenges facing Paris: its history and image, its population, and its urban organization. It then provides a detailed analysis of the characteristics and parameters of Parisian nightlife: the activity-generating hubs, the nature of these activities, and finally the observed mobility patterns.
France, Metropolitan
Paris at night. Exploratory study
Nightlife venues are unique environments with distinct safety and security needs. Cities throughout North America identified the lack of a “best practices handbook” and started creating them. These guides represent a collaborative effort to document operational guidelines to help business owners and operators run safe bars, lounges and nightclubs. Topics include how to prevent underage drinking, over consumption of alcohol, drug sales, violence, prostitution and sex offenses. Some guides also contain tips on how to respond to a serious criminal incident and counterterrorism preparedness.
USA
RHI Case Studies
Shanghai, as a global metropolis, faces the challenge of balancing commercial vibrancy with urban management. Outdoor dining (外摆位) has historical roots in Shanghai, but traditional strict traditional restrictions have constrained business vitality. In December 2022, Shanghai amended its Municipal Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Regulations, changing the wording from "prohibited" to "prohibited without authorization," which opened new possibilities for regulated outdoor dining. Since then, Shanghai has been continuously refining policies and service ecosystems, exploring efficient governance models to boost the nighttime economy.
People's Republic of China
Shanghai's Night. Outdoor dining (外摆位)
This Good Neighbour Guide for Late-Night Businesses is intended as a comprehensive resource for late-night businesses – live music venues, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, retailers, service providers, and others operating between the hours 6 p.m - 6 a.m. The guide presents relevant information and provides links to related resources, from the City of Toronto and external sources, intended to support operators in running a safe establishment that also benefits the surrounding community, including nearby residents and other businesses. By offering best practices from around the world, in addition to sharing what’s already being done right here in Toronto, the Good Neighbour Guide for LateNight Businesses will assist late-night establishments seeking to create safer spaces and working environments, encourage responsible consumption, and follow general good-neighbour principles.
Good Neighbour Guide for Late Night Businesses
Creative Footprint Copenhagen is a research project by VibeLab with the support of PennPraxis and the city of Copenhagen, focusing on creative spaces and communities to study the cultural value and impact of music and nightlife in the city.Over the period from July to September 2024, the Creative Footprint team hosted a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews to better understand the prevailing issues, challenges, and opportunities for nightlife in the city. By inviting all of Copenhagen’s nightlife actors to participate and engage in discussion, the team produced a richly detailed spatial analysis of nightlife venues in the city against demographic and economic datasets, uncovering insights into how nightlife is embedded in Copenhagen’s urban fabric.
Denmark
Creative Footprint Copenhagen
VibeLab
This report summarises the key priorities and concerns of residents, businesses, night workers, and visitors regarding Hackney's night-time economy (between 6 pm and 6 am). The data is drawn from a public consultation conducted to inform the development of a Night Time Strategy that addresses the needs of all stakeholders and allows the night-time economy to thrive. The online consultation gathered responses from 1,403 residents, 192 visitors, 78 businesses, and 115 night workers. The majority of respondents were residents (79%), followed by visitors (11%). Businesses and night workers had lower response rates (4% and 6%, respectively). This weighting should be considered when interpreting the results. The survey will be complemented by 3 in person night sessions to further delve into some of the main topics highlighted. 
United Kingdom
Hackney Night-Time Strategy Consultation
Richmond upon Thames Council has developed this Night Time Strategy (NTS) to set out how we can make the night-time (everything between 6pm and 6am) a better experience for people living, working, and visiting the borough.The focus of the NTS is not just on the leisure, hospitality and entertainment industries but also night workers such as those in health care, cleaning services, waterhouse logistics, and deliveries, many of the services upon which the borougfh's residents rely. 
United Kingdom
Richmond Night Time Strategy
This Night Time Strategy for Wandsworth sets out the Borough’s strategic vision for the evening and night-time which will help shape, influence and link with wider strategies and policies across the Council. It provides guidance for the Council, partner organisations and businesses to ensure the night-time economy in the borough is encouraged to grow, whilst ensuring it is sustainable, reflects the needs of local residents, businesses and workers and is inclusive to all. The Strategy supports wider Council priorities to create a more just and fairer borough with its focus on improving the night-time experience for all, taking into account the residents that often feel the negative impacts of the night-time economy too. It recognises the importance of safe neighbourhoods at night as well as during the day, the foundation for a successful night-time economy. Listening to the experience of night-time workers and other participants has brought fresh insight into the preparation of this strategy.  Providing a voice for those involved in the night-time economy is an important principle for taking its recommendations forward. 
United Kingdom
A night-time strategy for Wandsworth
The Evening and Night-time Economy Strategy, Vision and Action Plan has been produced by Heart of London Business Alliance, in collaboration with leading urban design practice Publica.A first of its kind for the West End, the strategy provides an ambitious, integrated, and deliverable plan for this iconic part of the West End between the hours of 6pm and 6am. It sets out how the area can meet its full potential and become more inclusive, safe, accessible, attractive, and dynamic for those who work, visit, live, invest and run businesses here.The Heart of London area covers 39 hectares, just 6% of the wider West End footprint, and yet it delivers 7% of its evening and night-time GVA. It is worth £4.9 billion to the UK economy, of which 20% comes from the evening and night-time economy, and 50% of that is driven by the cultural sector.Accompanying the strategy is an economic analysis of the evening and night-time economy (ENTE) conducted by Arup. It shows that this economy is underperforming and struggling to recover from the pandemic. Growth line trends dictate that it should be worth £15.5 billion, instead of the current £14 billion. Without intervention, this gap will only widen.This strategy looks beyond the obvious, beyond a single industry or sector and beyond the day-to-day challenges of a city after dark. Instead, it elevates the conversation to look at the potential value of the evening and night-time economy to London’s West End.
United Kingdom
HOLBA Evening and Night-time Economy (ENTE) Strategy, Vision and Action Plan
This guide is informed by the feedback of thousands of night workers and hundreds of company leaders, plus their engagement with everyone from sleep scientists to rota experts, HR visionaries to researchers – it shines a light on the specific considerations and practical steps that employers should take. They explore current requirements on employers and insight into the experience of people working at night, and then share practical tips and case studies across rota design, work environment, health and wellbeing, nutrition and leadership. 
United Kingdom
Bright Nights: Supporting healthy, engaged and productive night workers
“Neighborhoods for All – a Global Peer Learning on Safer Cities” is a voluntary collaboration between UN-Habitat, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Habitat Norway, and VibeLab, aimed at promoting city-planning practices that enable the development of accessible and vibrant local communities in urban areas across the world. In the second half of 2023, these four partner organisations jointly organised what led to the series of five peer learning webinars.In the following sections, readers of this report will be introduced to the Safer Cities initiative’s background, read overviews of the webinars, and learn about the promising city practices presented. Based on the inputs from the cities and organisations, the final section is dedicated to a set of key lessons that can serve as starting points for cities to approach enhancing urban safety and well-being aspects in local communities and neighbourhoods.
South Africa, Gambia, Egypt, Colombia, United Kingdom, Kenya, Canada, Peru, Sweden
Neighborhoods for All: Peer to Peer Learning on Safer Cities 2023-2024
UN habitat, World Organization of United Cities and Local Government (UCLG), VibeLab
"Night workers are the backbone of the UK’s 24/7 economy – but they’re often exhausted, under-supported and left out of the conversation. Our new employer guide, Bright Nights, is here to help change that. Combining science, new research, frontline feedback and employer insight, our new publication is packed with information about the effects of shift work, and inspiration and practical guidance for employers to better support healthy, engaged and productive night workers."
United Kingdom
Bright Nights: Employer Guide for Thriving Night Workers
"Throughout its long history, nightlife has been central to New York City’s identity. The “city that never sleeps” is a destination for dreamers and doers and an epicenter of creativity. It boasts something for everyone once the sun sets, including opportunities for dining, dancing, performing, socializing, or building a career. Over many decades, New York nightlife has launched cultural and social movements that resonated far beyond the city’s shores: from the social consciousness of beat poetry, folk music, and hip-hop, to the rhythms of jazz, salsa, disco, punk rock, and many more. New York nightlife has inspired artists and entertainers to push boundaries, and provided places for people to come together to f ind community, all of which contributes to the city’s distinctive energy."
USA
NYC Nightlife Economic Impact Report
"This report offers an overview of the inner workings of the nightclub industry. These insights stem from twenty years of dedicated advocacy and campaigning for Ireland’s nightlife, using learnings from research conducted in 2024, as well as recent domestic and international data. Together, these elements demonstrate the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector, while offering a roadmap for its future."
Ireland
The Rhythm of the Night: A Report on Ireland's Nightclub history and night culture
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