New York City to get a director of nightlife

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - New York is the city that never sleeps. Nightlife is a $10 billion business in the five boroughs and employs more than a 100,000 people, according to a City Council member.

And now, the city will be getting a director of nightlife who will be a liaison among the vibrant restaurant, bar and nightclub scene, the neighborhoods where they are located, and City Hall.

City Council Member Rafael Espinal modeled the idea after several European cities, including Amsterdam. He said that after Amsterdam created a "night mayor" the city saw a decrease in quality-of-life problems and an increase in the quality of nightlife.

The nightlife director will identify regulations that might be holding back some of these small businesses and also address community concerns about quality-of-life issues.

In addition to the nightlife director, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council will appoint a 12-member advisory panel consisting of city representatives and people within the bar, nightclub, and restaurant industry.

The mayor will name the nightlife director within three months.