Call for museums to open at night

The assembly wants museums to stay open into the night

London's galleries and museums should open until 10 at night to give people an alternative to binge drinking, the London Assembly is expected to say.

The call for a more diverse night-time economy comes ahead of Thursday's new flexible opening hours.

The assembly's economic development committee report also recommends running the Tube later at weekends and employing more town centre managers.

It calls for broader entertainment not solely geared towards young drinkers.

Committee Chair Dee Doocey said: "The needs of residents and visitors who want to enjoy the city at night must be balanced with the right to enjoy a good quality of life in the capital."

The idea is not a new one. The Tate Modern, on London's South Bank, already opens until 10pm on a Friday and Saturday, while the Tate Britain hosts a "late at the Tate" once a month.

A spokesman for the British Museum , which also has later opening - until 8.30pm - on a Friday, added: "It's definitely an idea that is already out there."