the death of 24 hour america — why nothing stays open late

Summary

The script explores the decline of late-night businesses and the cultural shift that has made nighttime less vibrant. It delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses reducing hours or closing altogether due to economic pressures and a changing work culture. Ghost kitchens, rising living costs, and the decrease in nightlife options have made it harder to find late-night spots. The script also discusses how this shift affects urban safety and community dynamics, highlighting the need for safer, more engaging nighttime spaces beyond bars and clubs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The availability of late-night businesses has drastically decreased in the U.S., with many once-open 24/7 spots closing earlier than ever.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread business closures and reduced operating hours, and this trend has persisted beyond the pandemic.
• 😀 Ghost kitchens, businesses that operate delivery-only from a single location, became a popular trend during the pandemic and remain prevalent today.
• 😀 Many businesses, especially fast food, have switched to drive-thru-only or reduced their late-night hours due to staffing and safety concerns.
• 😀 Rising living costs, gentrification, and changing work habits have made it harder for younger generations to afford or justify late-night outings.
• 😀 The perception of crime after dark has led to early closures and businesses treating nighttime customers with suspicion, even when they're simply out for errands.
• 😀 The sense of safety in cities has deteriorated as fewer people are out at night, leading to a reduced sense of community and accountability.
• 😀 The rise of e-commerce and online services, like Amazon and delivery apps, has further diminished the need for in-person late-night services.
• 😀 Social media, streaming platforms, and other indoor entertainment options have contributed to fewer people going out at night, shifting behaviors towards staying home.
• 😀 The closure of businesses, especially in downtown areas, has led to more crime and social issues, creating a vicious cycle that keeps cities less safe at night.
• 😀 Rebuilding late-night options, such as libraries, cafes, or community spaces, could help revive vibrant, safe, and welcoming nighttime environments.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in the transcript?

The main theme is the shift in late-night culture and business operations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and how societal changes, including economic pressures, have led to many businesses closing earlier and reducing late-night options.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect late-night business operations?

The pandemic caused a dramatic decrease in foot traffic, leading to businesses reducing hours or shutting down entirely. This was exacerbated by safety concerns, changing consumer behaviors, and the rise of delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.

What role did ghost kitchens play in the shift towards reduced late-night services?

Ghost kitchens, which are delivery-only food businesses that operate out of office parks or warehouses, became more prevalent during the pandemic. They contributed to the reduction of traditional late-night sit-down dining options as they catered to the growing demand for food delivery during late hours.

Why did businesses, including restaurants, reduce their hours after the pandemic?

The reduction in hours was primarily driven by economic pressures, including rising costs of labor, rent, and supplies. Additionally, there was a decreased demand for late-night services, as many consumers shifted to online shopping or stayed home.

How has the cost of living impacted businesses' operating hours?

The high cost of living, particularly in urban areas, has led businesses to focus on serving daytime customers, while cutting late-night hours. The increased costs of rent, labor, and supplies made it difficult for businesses to justify keeping late-night hours.

What is the concept of 'eyes on the street,' and how is it related to the closing of businesses at night?

The concept of 'eyes on the street,' proposed by urbanist Jane Jacobs, suggests that a vibrant, bustling street with people out and about creates a sense of security by acting as informal surveillance. As businesses close earlier and fewer people are on the streets at night, the lack of public presence contributes to an increase in crime.

How did the pandemic impact retail businesses, especially in downtown areas?

The pandemic accelerated the decline of brick-and-mortar retail businesses, especially in downtown areas that relied heavily on office workers for foot traffic. With many people working remotely, businesses faced reduced demand and closed down, contributing to the concept of a 'doom loop,' where the city center becomes less vibrant, leading to increased crime and a higher cost of living.

What are some of the consequences of treating nighttime presence as suspicious or criminal?

When society treats people who are out at night as criminals, it fosters a culture of suspicion and fear. This, in turn, can create a self-reinforcing cycle where businesses close early, public spaces feel unsafe, and actual crime increases due to the lack of public presence and informal surveillance.

How has public transit been affected by the shift towards reduced late-night activity?

Public transit in many cities has reduced or eliminated late-night service, as fewer people use it during the night. With fewer late-night commuters, it's seen as a cost-saving measure to cut back on transit hours, further reducing the availability of late-night options for the public.

What are some potential solutions to revitalize late-night businesses and communities?

Potential solutions include encouraging safer streets, supporting businesses that cater to late-night needs like cafes, libraries, and non-alcoholic venues, and fostering a sense of community where people feel comfortable being out at night. This could help reduce the criminalization of late-night activity and bring back more vibrant, safe, late-night spaces.