The Municipality of The Hague and the Haagse Nachtraad Foundation have signed an agreement to further strengthen The Hague’s nightlife. With this agreement, both parties formalize how they will collaborate on an accessible, safe, and future-oriented nightlife. This year, the municipality is also providing financial support to the foundation for the deployment of the Night Mayor and the activities of the Night Council that contribute to shared goals.
With these agreements, the Municipality and the Night Council are implementing the Night Vision, which was adopted in November 2024. The goal of this vision is to further develop The Hague’s nightlife, with a focus on safety, inclusion, and more space for night culture. As part of the agreement, the Municipality is making dedicated contact persons available within various departments, and periodic consultations will take place with the Night Mayor. The contribution of €60,000 supports the efforts of the Night Mayor and the activities of the Night Council within this collaboration. The subsidy is not intended for organizing club nights or other night programs; the foundation will continue to seek its own funding for this purpose.
A serious place for the night
The municipality views the Night Mayor as an important dialogue partner who acts as a link between the night sector and municipal decision-making. The Hague’s Night Mayor, Lotte Ottevanger, is pleased with the collaboration: “The night deserves a serious place in urban policy. With this covenant, The Hague shows that night culture matters. Together, we are working towards a night where everyone is welcome, gets home safely, and where the visitor, the creator, and the entrepreneur feel heard.”
Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Culture and Economic Development): “With this covenant, we are anchoring the collaboration that was so essential in the creation of the Night Vision. The Night Council and the Night Mayor are helping us make The Hague’s nightlife stronger, safer, and more inclusive. This ensures that The Hague remains an attractive city 365 days and nights.”
Joint step
The Hague Night Council Foundation was established in June 2025 and consists of young representatives from all corners of The Hague’s nightlife. From organizers and artists to hospitality entrepreneurs and nocturnal innovators: together, they give a voice to what lives, dances, and dreams in the city. The Council advises and supports Night Mayor Lotte Ottevanger and acts as a sparring partner for municipal policy. Meanwhile, the Night Council is also actively working on other initiatives that strengthen the position of The Hague’s nightlife.
The Hague’s nightlife plays an important role in social cohesion, creativity, and talent development in the city, and contributes to the attractiveness of The Hague as a place to live and a student. With this collaboration, the Municipality and the Night Council are taking a joint step towards a future-proof nightlife sector.
View the covenant here .
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Caption: Alderman Saskia Bruines (Culture and Economic Development) and The Hague Night Mayor Lotte Ottevanger, surrounded by members of The Hague Night Council.