Study to Determine Economic Value of Nightlife Districts in DC, MD, VA

A groundbreaking economic assessment of sociability andnightlife in the WashingtonMetropolitan Area is being conducted by the Responsible Hospitality Institute.Nightlife industry employment, tax revenues, and the direct contributions tothe local economy will be assessed for three nightlife districts’ bars, clubs,and restaurants. Placing a dollar amount to this vital, yet undervaluedindustry will help the general public and elected officials recognize why theyneed to support the continued viability of dining and entertainment venues aswell as properly allocate city resources.

Santa Cruz,CA (PRWEB ) July 29, 2011

Every Thursday through Saturday night, thousands of adultsyoung in age and in spirit flock to bars, clubs, music venues, and restaurantsacross the nation; an entire economy of nighttime services, businesses andorganizations operate to provide safe and vibrant places to socialize in theevening. Yet just how much of an economic impact is generated by this industryremains unknown.

Three districts within the Washington Metropolitan Area havebeen selected as the pilot sites for a study of the economic impact of thenighttime economy. The launch of this study by the ResponsibleHospitality Institute (RHI) marks the first North American initiative tostandardize a methodology for collecting and organizing data related tonightlife. The DC study will also be discussed in an RHI Sociable City Webinaron August 9, 2011 showcasing other nighttime economy studies in the US, UKand Canada.

“Nightlife makes a city a fun place to live, work, play andvisit." states Gary Zizka, Vice President, Public Policy, Diageo. "Wehelped underwrite this survey to collect tangible, concrete data asdocumentation for why the general public and elected officials should continueto support the continued viability of dining and entertainment businesses,”

Lynne Breaux, President, Restaurant Association MetropolitanWashington, adds, “Nightlife is a vital sector of cities’ local economy bycreating jobs, generating tax revenues, attracting tourists and drawingconventions.”

 “As a regulator, it’s important that we understand the size,scope and value of this industry,” states Kathie Durbin, Division Chief,Licensure, Regulation and Education, Montgomery County Department of LiquorControl. “Without this information,” she continues, “it’s difficult to ensureequitable distribution of public services such as waste management andtransportation or ensuring a safe community.”

Independent small businesses are often apprehensive aboutdisclosing sales and cost data for fear of competitors using the informationagainst them. This assessment is designed to provide confidentiality andprevent access to individual businesses’ economic data. The study will seekdata to be collectively aggregated and will be utilized for the purpose ofshowcasing the economic activity associated with the three dining and nightlifedistricts in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Partners and underwriters of the pilot study include: TempleUniversity School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Diageo North America,the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, Montgomery CountyDepartment of Liquor Control, The Eisen Group , Avery Consulting and AECOM.

Additional support for RHI is provided by the Wine &Spirits Wholesalers of America, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United Statesand the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

The Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) is a California based 501(c)3non-profit organization established in 1983. RHI provides technical assistancethat builds local capacity, incubates and shares cutting-edge information andproven strategies, and links a broad-based network of professionals who plan,manage and police dining and entertainment districts. More information isavailable at RHIweb.orgor 831.469.3396.