The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has published proposals for a new London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy aimed at creating a more consistent approach to licensing across the capital’s 33 boroughs.
The policy is designed to address current inconsistencies, where each borough operates under different licensing rules. It would establish overarching principles intended to support businesses and align with the Mayor’s strategic priorities, including economic growth.
London’s night-time economy contributes more than £139 billion annually to the capital. However, hospitality and nightlife industries have faced challenges in recent years, including what the Mayor’s office describes as outdated rules and complex processes.
Under the proposals, the Mayor would receive new powers from Government to “call-in” certain licensing applications deemed to be of strategic importance. This would apply to applications with significant economic impact, such as large venues, festivals, or sites on high streets, as well as those affecting the capital’s reputation.
A new London Licensing Playbook is also being developed alongside the policy. It is intended to provide guidance on best practice, templates, and consistent approaches for boroughs, businesses, and licensing professionals.
The Government recently issued advice to licensing authorities urging them to consider economic impact and growth when making licensing decisions. Further guidance published alongside the consultation encourages councils to take into account local plans and strategies, including the Mayor’s London Plan.
A six-week public consultation on the proposed Strategic Licensing Policy and Licensing Playbook has now opened. The proposals form part of wider efforts to support London’s nightlife, following recommendations from the capital’s independent Nightlife Taskforce last month, which included calls for a new London-wide licensing standard.
Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director, fabric, and chair of the Nightlife Taskforce said: ‘Licensing emerged as one of the most significant structural challenges facing London’s nightlife. The Taskforce therefore recommended a clearer, more consistent London-wide framework, focused on evidence and proportionality. This would remove unnecessary barriers, support well-managed venues and give boroughs and businesses a stronger basis for collaboration.’
The consultation will inform how the new powers, if granted, would operate in practice.
Photo: Aleksandr Popov
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