Cork City to trial initiative that encourages coffee shops to stay open late
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The owners of independent coffee shops in Cork City are being encouraged to keep their venues open late and become vibrant after-hours social hubs as part of a new drive to boost the city's night-time economy.
The Coffee House Lates initiative, which will be piloted over two nights later this month to test the night-time market, is the latest idea from the Cork Night Time Economy Initiative, and is being facilitated by the Cork Business Association (CBA).
It will be trialed on Thursday, November 28, and on General Election day, Friday November 29, with participating coffee shops invited to stay open until 9pm and host unique events for people seeking a fresh, alternative and alcohol-free evening out in the city.
Those involved say it offers an opportunity for coffee shops to showcase the city’s coffee culture, attract new customers, strengthen the sense of community, and support local business growth while giving coffee lovers and city residents a memorable night-time experience.
Businesses will be supported by the CBA to help bring their events to fruition, they said.
Cork City’s Nighttime Economy Advisor, Fiona Collins, said the hope is that coffee shops will see the benefit in opening late and it will become a regular fixture, adding to the city's night-time offering.
“Cork City is already a vibrant hub in the evenings but there is very little for locals and visitors to do if they are not drinking. Our coffee shops are really unique and we want to celebrate that,” she said.
CBA president, Aaron Mansworth, said it’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the city's unique independent coffee shops and offer people an alternative night-time activity.
“We’re inviting people to submit their ideas for consideration and look forward to working with businesses on this exciting evening of coffee culture,” he said.
The CBA has a list of ideas for interested businesses from live entertainment to coffee pairing events, speed dating and craft nights, and it has invited people to register their interest at info@corkbusiness.ie before November 15.
Last month, the CBA and Cork City Council launched the ‘Leave a Light On’ campaign to encourage city centre businesses to keep a light on until midnight or 1am during the winter months in a bid to foster a sense of safety in the city.
Participating businesses are being offered a subsidy of €250, including Vat, to take part in that initiative, to cover the energy costs.
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