West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has called on industry leaders to help him draw up a plan to protect and revitalise the region's night-time economy.
The mayor is recruiting members for a so-called night-time economy commission to explore the challenges facing venues such as pubs, cinemas and restaurants and then identify what support the sector needs to thrive.
The night-time economy is a big employer in the region, making up around a third of the entire West Midlands workforce with 120,000 working in hospitality.
It has been a difficult time for the sector which was hit hard by lockdowns and restrictions during the covid-19 pandemic alongside other issues such as cost-of-living pressures, licensing and regulation, public transport and staffing issues.
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Mayor Parker said: "Our night-time economy is a crucial part of what makes the West Midlands a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
"That's why I'm going to be working side by side with industry leaders, businesses and communities to help this sector not just survive but thrive.
"That means valuing the jobs it creates, backing the businesses that keep our region buzzing after dark and ensuring everyone feels safe, supported and confident."
The mayor's night-time economy commission will run for six months and be managed by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
It will consist of up to eight private sector representatives from every part of the sector.
Lyle Bignon, night-time economy ambassador for Birmingham on behalf of the Night Time Industries Association, added: "This initiative comes after years of campaigning by the association for a meaningful forum for our region at which the challenges and opportunities around the night-time economy and hospitality in the region can be discussed and ultimately addressed.
"Latest figures from the Night Time Economy Market Monitor show that, across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's major cities, Birmingham has experienced the largest decline in late-night venues, down 27.5 per cent since 2020.
"We are losing the pubs, clubs, bars, cafés, music venues and other community spaces that provide crucial artistic, economic and social functions for our residents and visitors at a worrying rate. Our late-night economy is disappearing before our eyes and it is in vital need of support.
"The creation of a regional commission is, we hope, the start of better dialogue and discourse around a road to recovery and ultimately a brighter future for our businesses and ecosystem."
