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Can 24-hour drinking zones transform a city?

Can 24-hour drinking zones transform a city?

We look at the economic benefits – and risks - of being open all night

Business Daily · BBC World Service

September 16, 202417m 29s

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Show Notes

From Paraguay to Portugal, Tokyo to Tel Aviv, more than 80 cities and countries around the world have introduced a ‘mayor for the night’. Several more are trying to introduce 24-hour zones to their nightlife – allowing alcohol to be served all day and night.

But what are the benefits?

We take you to the dancefloors of Montreal, Canada’s largest French-speaking city, where the local government is introducing a 24-hour zone.

We travel to Berlin, the club capital of the world, where all-nighters have been the order of business since 1949.

And we stop by Amsterdam to find out how electing a night mayor has boosted tourism and led to a drop in anti-social behaviour.

(Image: Montreal at night. Credit: Catrine Daoust)

Presented and produced by Sam Gruet