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Read the press release here.

De Blasio Creates New 'Night Mayor' Position to Keep the Party Going

By Gwynne Hogan | September 20, 2017 10:57am
 Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the legislation at House of Yes Tuesday night in Bushwick surrounded by Marky Ramone, drummer for The Ramones, and jazz double-bassist Ron Carter.
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the legislation at House of Yes Tuesday night in Bushwick surrounded by Marky Ramone, drummer for The Ramones, and jazz double-bassist Ron Carter.
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DNAinfo/Gwynne Hogan

BUSHWICK — A very square mayor turned up at the ultra-hip House of Yes Tuesday night to announce the creation of the city's Office of the Nightlife — headed up by a soon-to-be-appointed Night Mayor, or party ambassador for bars, clubs and venues across the city.

The new appointee will field complaints and mediate disputes between nightlife establishments and city and state agencies, as well as residents with complaints and concerns.

"[Nightlife] is part of the magic of New York City," said Mayor Bill de Blasio, flanked by former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone and jazz double-bassist Ron Carter, at the Wyckoff Avenue venue. "Where the culture happens is essential. Without the venues, the culture simply can't exist."

The administration is in the process of interviewing candidates for the job, which is expected to be filled by the end of the year.

The Office of Nightlife will have an estimated annual budget of $407,000, including $37,000 for office space, supplies and computers, as well as $370,000 to pay the Night Mayor and an assistant director of the office, according to a financial impact statement. 

"The office will be led by who someone who will undoubtedly be more popular than me and will wield tremendous power," de Blasio said.

The idea for Night Mayor — pitched to the City Council by Councilman Rafael Espinal, who represents parts of Bushwick and East New York — comes from European cities like Amsterdam, London and Paris. 

Nightlife in New York City is $10 billion a year industry that employs 300,000 New Yorkers, according to City Hall.