The night-time economy can have a positive and negative impact on health and wellbeing. Pubs and bars can act as hubs of community life, providing a space to socialise, promoting social interaction and reducing isolation (which can contribute to poor mental health).^A  On the other hand, these venues can also contribute to noise, litter, harmful levels of alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour. A recent report assessed pubs and bars to be positive for health on balance, despite their potential health harms. ¹ However, the same report advocates tighter controls on the number of premises licensed to sell alcohol in areas where there is already a high concentration of such outlets.

1. http://www.esrc.ac.uk/news-events-and-publications/evidence-briefings/mental-health-and-social-relationships/

1. Royal Society for Public Health, “Health on the high street,” 2015