The NDML team attended the NTIA’s Ambassadors of the Night award show, celebrating the brightest advocates for our nighttime industry. Within London’s Hippodrome Casino, our team conducted interviews with special guests and nominees. Upon our red carpet, the new campaign – The Nightlife Revolution – was on full display, with many patrons commenting their support of the campaign.
Each interviewee gave a different answer, while also echoing the same message of support and collaboration within the nightlife sector between businesses, organisations and the government. Many went on to mention licensing, and the crucial changes that need to be made to benefit the survival of clubs.
We asked each speaker the same one question – “What is the biggest challenge facing British nightclubs at this present moment.”
We then asked each interviewee does nightlife need a revolution, and would they join the Nightlife Revolution. With a 100% “yes” rate, each person gave their own reason as to why a revolution for nightlife would be advantageous.
Interviews at the Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2025
From discussing the death of nightclubs, to licensing laws, to racial bias – the below interviews broached a myriad of subjects and issues. Cost pressures, diversity and inclusion, consumer trends are all areas which encompass the term Revolution – and this campaign hopes to get Britian talking about nightlife.
Former MP Sam Tarry says young people are going out less
Sam Tarry, former MP, discusses regulations and business practices that need to be in place in order for nightlife businesses to thrive. Business rates and lawful changes are among many of the challenges faced by nightclubs. Sam Tarry has joined the Nightlife Revolution. He supports this £10billion nighttime economy and wants to be part of a government that does more in the right places to benefit UK nightlife. He says nightlife definitely needs a revolution.
DJ Nikki Beatnik on Nightclub Closures
DJ Nikki Beatnik has joined The Nightlife Revolution. Nighttime Ambassadors of the night award winner Nikki Beatnik discusses the death of nightclubs in London and the UK and the need for government support.
Barrister Leo Charalambides explained how later nights are safer for shift workers
Leo Charalambides, fresh off his NTIA Ambassador of the Night win, answers what challenges nightlife venues face, from his unique perspective as a barrister. Leo is a licensing expert who wants to see a reduction in the complexity of licensing laws.
Dr Charisse Beaumont from Black Lives in Music talks about experienced racial bias
Dr Charisse Beaumont from Black Lives in Music wanted us to tailor the question to closer align with her experience, that being black and Asian artists and promoters. The challenges faced by black venue owners, artists and promoters. On the red carpet of her award win at the NTIA Ambassador Of The Night Awards, Dr Beaumont questions why jazz gospel and soul venues aren’t being allowed extended hours.
Nadine Noor from Pxssy Palace argues nightclubs need to be taken more seriously
Pxssy Palace Founder, Nadine Noor, has joined The Nightlife Revolution. Nadine Noor tells Nightlife Revolution what the biggest challenges facing the UK nightlife industry are at the moment. She mentions licensing reforms, security pressures, diversity, inclusion and the shifting cultures.
Lyle Bignon discusses the policy change necessary for nightclub survival
Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham, discusses his opinion on archaic legislation that is not fit for purpose. He says nightclub owners and organisations need to band together – which is why he supports the Nightlife Revolution.
Simon Thomas complains that the government are treating the hospitality industry as a cash cow
The Hippodrome Casino Executive Chairman, Simon Thomas discusses the need for a nightlife revolution. He says the biggest challenge nightlife operators face is always people; keeping staff and customers happy. Hospitality needs support from the government. Based in Piccadilly London, he says it’s not just the venues, but the whole area that needs rapid improvement.
Karl Verboten, founder of Klub Verboten, says licensing committees need to loosen up
Karl Verboten says local authorities are the biggest challenge to nightclubs and fetish clubbing. “I’m facing nothing but barriers – Local authorities need to loosen up. These licensing regulations don’t happen in Berlin or Europe.” Karl supports the Nightlife Revolution. Sexuality is not a licensable activity in the UK, it’s nudity; strict unfair licensing regulation is a threat to the nudist and fetish community.
Steven Braines says mid-sized music venues have fallen by the wayside
Longtime supporter of The Nightlife Revolution, we met up again with Steven Braines, the Founder of HE.SHE.THEY. He contemplates how mid-sized venues have been lost and the necessary support for nightlife.
John Hayes argues politicians don’t understand nightclubs
John Hayes answers what challenges are facing nightclubs; “In one word, Survival.” He discusses the importance of nightclubs and the myriad of challenges they are having to overcome. The government need to do more to support nightlife, and nightlife will support their communities and associated businesses.
Sashkia Menendez talks about diversity and inclusivity
Everyone needs to feel welcome, included and safe; says Saskhia Menendez, while on the red carpet of the NTIA Ambassadors Of The Night Awards. Award winner Saskhia said – “We need people to be treated correctly if they don’t have the correct ID.”
Nightlife Revolution – Wall of Supporters
These prominent figures now feature on the Nightlife Revolution’s wall of supporters.
The Wall of Supporters reflects all members, supporters and advocates of the Nightlife Revolution. It includes the names of all the people who have joined the Nightlife Revolution through our sign up form.
Reinvestment, Rebellion, or Reinvention. A Nightlife Revolution is coming.
