Mayor of London given powers to overturn local council licensing decisions in ‘boost’ for nightlife

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been given powers to overrule local councils that reject late licensing proposals submitted by venues, bars and clubs – in the hope of boosting nightlife.

• READ MORE: UK grassroots venues suffering from “the complete collapse of touring” – here’s how you can help

According to the BBC, under the new pilot scheme, Khan could  “call in” licensing applications in “areas deemed to be of strategic importance for the night-time economy”. Khan said that if granted, these new powers may help “boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country”.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said: “Our pubs, restaurants and live music venues are the beating heart of our cultural life, so it is vital they are given every chance to survive and thrive.

“Too often, we have seen the complaints of a vocal minority of objectors promoted over the need for our country to grow – we are determined to change this.”

If successful, this scheme could be introduced to other parts of the country – such as Greater Manchester or the West Midlands. However, some London boroughs have raised concerns about the new pilot scheme and the power shift it brings.

According to a Sky News report, a spokesperson for Westminster City Council said: “Westminster has the most pubs and clubs of any local authority, so we already have extensive expertise in supporting businesses to thrive while balancing the views of local people and the police.

“We grant the vast majority of licensing applications, which are only refused where safety concerns are raised by the police or significant disruption is likely.”

This comes as the UK loses one grassroots music venue every two weeks, according to the Music Venue Trust’s 2024 annual report. As a result, the UK has seen a decrease in the total number of live music shows (down 8.3 per cent since 2023) accompanied by an even steeper decline in ticket revenues (down 13.5 per cent since 2023).

Earlier this year, Khan introduced a nightlife taskforce to help boost London’s nightlife scene, and try to help venues that are at risk of closing.

Last October, Khan’s night czar Amy Lamé stood down from her role at City Hall after eight years. Lamé was appointed as London’s first-ever night czar by Khan, following his election as mayor in 2016.

The mayor’s office has praised Lamé for her support of “hundreds of venues since 2016” and for being “instrumental in reopening Fabric, protecting the 100 Club, securing the future of Printworks, securing the reopening of the Black Cap after 10 years of closure, and enabling Drumsheds to open, amongst others.”

In March 2024, Khan and Lamé were criticised for suggesting that London has a “24 hour culture”. After posting on social media about London being a “true 24-hour city”, the pair were then rebutted with a Telegraph article suggesting that “London’s nightlife is an embarrassment”.

Londoners also took to Twitter/X to dispute Khan and Lamé  citing a lack of 24-hour transport options and the continued loss of venues in the capital evidence the comments were inaccurate.

In February 2024, it was revealed that 31 per cent of UK nightclubs closed last year as the industry demanded government action. Meanwhile, 2023 was “worst year for venue closures” while “no one in music industry seems to care”, according to Music Venue Trust.

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