The Night TIme Industries Association (NTIA) has called for the Scottish government to introduce a "nightlife minister" position.
The industry body has published a new manifesto, which includes a 31-step plan for helping the sector.
NTIA chairman Mike Grieve told the BBC: "'Take us seriously' is definitely the call from this document. I think Scotland is behind the curve on this."
At present, law and policy decisions which impact the Scottish nightlife sector are spread across multiple different government departments, but Mr Grieve said a new nightlife minister position would help link the different areas together.
He added: "It [the night-time economy] feels a bit taken for granted, like it's just going down the pub and then on to the disco, but it's a substantive part of the economy."
Also included in the NTIA's manifesto are proposals to ensure local authorities develop their own plans with regard to nightlife, rather than just looking at licencing issues, as well as calling for rates relief for businesses.
The Scottish government previously said the country's hospitality industry benefits from the most generous small business rates relief in the UK.