One of Belfast’s best known hospitality figures has been appointed as the city’s new night czar.
Michael Stewart will take on the new £12,500 per year part-time role, where he will be tasked with enhancing and leading on the night-time economy.
The former Belfast Chamber president, who has worked in hospitality for 38 years, was selected following a five-week process.
He is currently the director of Common Market Belfast and runs his own consultancy and training business for the hospitality trade, Bar Czar Limited.
“This is a significant appointment and I’m proud to serve as an advocate and voice for Belfast city centre’s night-time economy,” said Mr Stewart.
“This role provides a unique platform working with key partners to address critical issues impacting our city centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant and dynamic destination after hours.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to play a part in shaping the city’s night-time strategy and look forward to collaborating with night-time workers, businesses, and key city centre stakeholders to drive meaningful change that will not only enhance the night-time experience across the city centre but contribute to its ongoing success, charm and appeal for all.”
As Belfast’s night czar, Michael Stewart will be a point of contact for night-time services including hospitality, venues, transport, and policing as well as advocacy and lobbying for statutory agencies.
He will also offer expert insight to inform the development, support, and enhancement of Belfast’s night-time sector.
It’s understood that improved late-night transport services will be high on his agenda.
The part-time role is funded by the Linen Quarter BID, Belfast One, and Destination CQ business bodies, and supported by the Purple Flag steering group, which includes Belfast Chamber, Hospitality Ulster, Belfast City Council, PSNI and Translink.
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The concept of a person charged with championing the night-time economy, sometimes styled as a ‘night mayor’, has gained significant traction across Europe in recent years.
But the nature and remuneration for the role varies significantly from city to city.
London’s night czar Amy Lamé, who was first appointed in 2016, is paid a £132,000 salary, while Manchester’s night time economy adviser Sacha Lord, who was appointed by Mayor Andy Burnham in 2018, does not draw a salary for his work.
Edinburgh, Bristol and the West Midlands have also got in on the act.
Ray O’Donoghue, director Bundoran’s music, surf and sea festival Sea Sessions, was named Dublin’s new night mayor in April.
Backed by Irish government funding, there are also moves to appoint night-time economy advisers in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana and Longford.
The salary range for the Irish posts have been reported between €55,000 and €71,000 per year on a fixed two-year tenure.
A 2024 report from the Night Time Industries Association estimates consumer spending in Northern Ireland’s night-time economy is worth around £3.3 billion.
Belfast retained its Purple Flag status earlier this year. The accreditation, recognises the city’s commitment to a well-run, safe, and thriving night-time economy.
Michael Stewart’s appointment has been welcomed by Hospitality Ulster chief executive, Colin Neill.
“As someone with such considerable experience operating within Belfast’s hospitality sector, we are sure that Michael is well aware of these challenges and opportunities and will be a strong voice for operators in the city centre.”
