London Mayor Sadiq Khan now holds direct licensing powers over venues, festivals and major music events in the UK capital. The powers were granted on November 3 and took effect immediately.
City Hall described the powers as “historic” and said they are intended to “support growth and jobs in our hospitality industry”.
Background to the change#
The move follows Khan’s efforts in recent years to support nightlife in London. Last year, he launched the first-ever Nightlife Taskforce, which brings together experts from across the industry.
What the powers allow#
The powers allow Khan to make direct decisions on licensing applications for the first time. He calls this a “new era for London’s nightlife”.
“As Mayor I have always tried to be pro-jobs and pro-business and I’m determined to build on this,” Khan said. “These new licensing powers create an opportunity to further champion London’s amazing venues, particularly our hospitality industry.”
The powers are granted by the government and allow Khan to “step in and make decisions on licensing applications of particular importance for our economy, reputation and nightlife”.
He said the powers will give him the opportunity to back music venues and help “cement our city’s nightlife reputation while keeping people safe and listening to communities.”
Khan also said: “It will bolster our capital’s reputation as a global nightlife destination and ensure that our hospitality, culture and nightlife can thrive, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Earlier disputes over Soho and Central London#
In June, Khan opposed a resident group’s plea to block all new bar and restaurant licences in Soho, saying it would be “bad for London”. He pledged to overrule objections made by the group.
In September, he criticised the “arrogance of Westminster Council” over plans to prevent new nightlife venues from opening in Central London’s busiest nightlife districts and to outlaw “vertical drinking”.
