Sydney experiencing a nightlife renaissance according to Justin Hemmes

Justin Hemmes declared he’s “never been more excited” about Sydney’s nightlife in front of leaders from New York, London and Paris as the city bounces back in a big way.

Hospitality tycoon Justin Hemmes is pumped with Sydney’s nightlife.

Merivale baron Justin Hemmes has made a bold declaration that he’s “never been more excited” about Sydney’s nightlife in front of New York, London and Paris’ “night mayors” at a special function examining nightlife economies held in the Harbour City yesterday.

Speaking at the intimate dinner with a group of international night mayors from leading cities around the world, Hemmes said Sydney had bounced back from its lockout and lockdown laws and was blazing a new path forward.

Night mayor is a title used for someone who is charged with helping develop and represent a city’s nightlife.

The night mayor of London, former club owner and comedian Amy Lamé, Paris night mayor Thierry Charlois and New York’s first night mayor, Ariel Palitz, met with Hemmes for a private dinner at Dan Hong’s MuMu, a Merivale venue in the CBD.

The dignitaries are in town to take part in the NEON International Night-Time Economy Forum, which takes place at the International Convention Centre today and Wednesday.

Martina Brunner from Vienna, Thierry Charlois from Paris, Sydney 24-hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues, Amy Lame from London, Ariel Palitz from New York and Justin Hemmes. Picture: Jonathan Ng

On the table for discussion was how bars, pubs and clubs have rebounded from the impacts of Covid, a pull to the suburbs and a demand for e-gaming and immersive experiences when people go out.

Hemmes declared, with Sydney’s infamous lockout laws now removed, the city’s night time economy was “better than ever.”

“I have faith in our city and have worked hard to help build its night time economy, I’ve never been more excited about Sydney’s nightlife,” he said.

Justin Hemmes says Sydney is bouncing back in a big way. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Post Covid Sydney was crippled by government restrictions that destroyed the nighttime economy, but the shackles have been released after Covid – we can’t lose momentum and go back to pre-Covid days.”

Ms Palitz said Sydney was “having a renaissance”.

Sydney’s 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues, Sydney’s first night mayor, said the forum showed how serious Sydney is about its night-time economy.

“We’re hosting some of the best minds and biggest hitters in night-life right here in Sydney and want to send a message to the world that we’re open for business and open ‘til late,” Mr Rodrigues said.

It’s the first time the global gathering of experts has taken place in Sydney. Also at the dinner was Dan Rozen of Warner music.