Ariel Palitz

Ariel Palitz is a global leader and consultant specializing in the nightlife

industry and global nighttime governance movement. Her experience includes owning Sutra Lounge in NYC from 2004-2014, serving on her local community board and then as the Founding Director and first “Nightlife Mayor” of the NYC Mayors Office of Nightlife under both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Eric Adams from 2018-2023.

During her tenure Ariel built the Office of Nightlife to help reframe local and global perception of the contributions of the nightlife industry as an asset to the culture, economy, and identity of a city, rather than a liability. By serving as a non-enforcement liaison and convener between the industry and City and State agencies she developed pro-active resources and solutions to support businesses, manage quality of life and safety concerns and improve equity, fairness and harm reduction for patrons, residents, workers, and owners. Just 2 years into developing the Office of Nightlife, the Covid-19 pandemic served a direct blow to the hospitality industry and community pivoting the office and her role into a crisis management position to help navigate NYC through the storm, delivering directives, amplifying needs, and making sure that nightlife had a seat at the table where decisions where being made every day.

With over 60 Offices of Nightlife around the world, NYC stood out as a leader of ideas and solutions under her leadership. Today as a global governance advisor and advocate for the alcohol and cannabis hospitality industries, Ariel’s deep experience and understanding of the issues around operations, community and social concerns, and government relations provide meaningful guidance that help to ensure these ecosystems are healthy and supported rather than restricted, appreciated for their economic and cultural contributions while addressing the need for systems that support safety, viability, equity, fairness and fun.

Ariel was recognized in 2019 by the League of Women Voters of NY State with their Emerging Leader Award. In 2021 at the Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Heroes Awards Recognizing exceptional New Yorker in the revitalization and reopening of New York City throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and in 2022 was the City & State NY, Above & Beyond Women, Emcee & Honorary Recipient Honoring women who exhibit exemplary leadership in their fields.