Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Culture and Sports has included a proposal in a draft resolution suggesting that night economic activities could be temporarily suspended or terminated. This action would be taken if activities violate the law, severely impact residents' lives, or face significant dissent within directly affected areas. The draft resolution, which outlines the organization, operation, management mechanisms, and support policies for night economic development, is expected to be submitted to the City People's Council at its upcoming session.

To prevent adverse impacts, night economic zones, routes, and points with the potential to directly affect residential areas must undergo community consultation and social impact assessments. These assessments are required before such areas receive official recognition or are piloted. The consultation content includes boundaries, types, and operating hours, as well as plans for noise control, waste management, traffic, security, and fire prevention. Mechanisms for receiving feedback and plans for sharing benefits with the community must also be considered.

Local authorities play a crucial role in managing potential conflicts. The People's Committees of the communes and wards where activities are organized will directly receive and address feedback. They will also engage in dialogue and mediation when conflicts arise between residents and business entities. The draft categorizes feedback regarding fire, explosions, accidents, violence, and safety hazards as "emergency" issues. Prolonged noise, large amounts of waste, traffic congestion, and impacts causing conflict with residents are classified as "serious" issues.

According to the Department of Culture and Sports, a dedicated resolution on the night economy aims to create a legal framework, leverage cultural, tourism, commercial, and service resources, and attract investment. The city anticipates the formation of distinctive products and spaces, addressing the issue of fragmented development. Night economic zones, routes, and points must align with urban planning, be driven by cultural and creative industries, and integrate with heritage, tourism, and modern services. Spatial arrangements must limit impacts on residents' lives, ensuring security, environmental protection, fire prevention, and food safety.

Ho Chi Minh City's night economy has been developing for many years, primarily centered around walking streets like Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien, and culinary clusters such as Ho Thi Ky, Vinh Khanh, Ha Ton Quyen, Hau Giang, Nguyen Thuong Hien, and Phan Xich Long. However, these models have largely developed independently by area and sector, lacking linkages and a unified management mechanism. Supporting infrastructure remains limited, with insufficient parking, public restrooms, and effective waste collection systems. Approximately 24% of surveyed businesses expressed concerns about snatching, altercations, and social issues.

Bui Vien walking street, in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is crowded with visitors. Photo: Thanh Tung

A survey by the Ho Chi Minh City Development Research Institute indicates that over 86% of international visitors surveyed frequent restaurants, about 62% visit pubs and bars, and nearly 45% go to cafes. On average, each international visitor spends approximately 50 USD on night activities.

Recognition dossiers for night economic zones must clearly define boundaries, scale, businesses, households, development plans, management models, infrastructure, and the responsibilities of all parties. For areas with the potential to directly affect residents, the dossier must include input from resident representatives.

Le Tuyet