Sadiq Khan gains power to step in on London licensing decisions
For the first time, the Mayor of London can decide licensing applications of particular importance to the city’s economy, reputation and nightlife.
Sadiq Khan can now step in and make decisions on licensing applications “of particular importance for our economy, reputation and nightlife.” The government granted the “historic” powers on November 3, and they took effect immediately, City Hall said. It is the first time Khan can make direct decisions on licensing applications. The move is meant to “support growth and jobs in our hospitality industry”.
“As Mayor I have always tried to be pro-jobs and pro-business and I’m determined to build on this,” Khan says. He adds that the powers will let him back music venues and “cement our city’s nightlife reputation while keeping people safe and listening to communities.”
The powers follow a series of nightlife moves by Khan. Last year he launched the first Nightlife Taskforce, which brought together experts from across the industry. In June he opposed a resident group’s call to block all new bar and restaurant licences in Soho, saying it would be “bad for London”, and pledged to overrule the group’s objections. In September he criticized the “arrogance of Westminster Council” over plans to stop new nightlife venues opening in Central London’s busiest nightlife districts and to outlaw “vertical drinking”.
