We mention it because the spirit of this meme is in some ways reminiscent of how politicians, bureaucrats and law enforcement have historically looked at and treated nightlife in Sweden. Some corners of it much more so than others.

Plenty of lip service has been paid to the “crucial importance” of culture while simultaneously enacting and upholding absurd laws requiring permits for dancing and other regulations stifling a vibrant and diverse night culture with very little, if anything, to show for the sacrifice. This simply does not add up, needs to change, and is also changing as Swedes travel the world and realize that it need not be this way. 

But time is of the essence and we can’t afford politicians and other decision makers dragging their feet any longer.

Long before the COVID pandemic hit we were already suffering under the self-inflicted wave of “klubbdöden” (the death of clubs) rolling over the city; slowly but steadily drowning out both new and old night institutions and communities in its wake.

Way too many babies have been thrown out with the dirty (and in parts genuinely problematic) bathwater that nightlife and the night time economy undoubtedly generates.

Fortunately other cities like Berlin, Vienna, London and New York City have already tested and proven other much more successful models of handling both the opportunities and the problems of the night.

Let’s listen to them.