Mayor could overturn council bans on late venues

London councils that block pubs and clubs from opening later could see their decisions overturned by the mayor of London under new powers from the government.

Sir Sadiq Khan may be able to "call in" licensing applications in areas deemed to be of strategic importance for the night-time economy as part of a new pilot scheme.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the pilot would ensure the hospitality industry had "the conditions to grow" and was not "tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape".

Westminster City Council said it granted the "vast majority" of licensing applications and only refused ones where safety concerns had been raised by the police or because significant disruption was likely.

It follows warnings that the capital's nightlife has been struggling since the pandemic and Brexit, with rising rents, falling footfall, staff recruitment issues and cost of living pressures.

UKHospitality, the industry trade body, has said the combination of all rising costs would amount to a £3.4 billion hit for the industry, and has called on the government to come up with a plan for hospitality.

Earlier this year, the mayor launched a dedicated taskforce to help boost London's nightlife and save venues at risk of closing.

Sir Sadiq said if granted, the powers would help "boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country".

He added that "good councils have nothing to worry about".

The move could see bars open later and more al fresco dining in London and, if successful, could be extended to other parts of the country such as Greater Manchester or the West Midlands.

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."

The mayor said he was "delighted" the government was looking to review his licencing powers alongside the Greater London Authority (GLA).

A source close to Sir Sadiq said: "Over recent years London's pubs, restaurants, clubs and music venues have been seen as a problem to be managed, rather than as a vital part of London's economic and social scene.

"From al-fresco dining, to late opening hours, to the impact of burdensome licensing conditions, we need to look at how we can support our venues, not work against them."

Westminster City Council, which has more pubs and clubs than any other borough in London, said it needed to see the proposals in more detail before commenting further.

However, a spokesperson added: "Local authorities and licensing professionals should be represented on any working group."

Conservative Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: "The hypocrisy of this Labour government is staggering.

"The government claims it is looking to slash red tape on business whilst doing the exact opposite, with their smoking ban proposals, scrapping of takeaway pints, recycling tax and attack on free speech in venues all set to make life harder for our publicans - and that's all before the impact of their jobs tax and Employment Rights Bill kicked in."

The decision follows an appeal by London's councils for a greater say in how the capital is run.

London Councils, the body which represents the 32 boroughs, has called for a new power-sharing arrangement with the mayor, giving local authorities a formal say over the capital's strategic direction.

A spokesperson said: "London boroughs are resolutely pro-growth and are committed to working with business, the mayor of London and national government to turbocharge growth.

"This pilot will explore where strategic oversight could complement local licencing powers in the capital."

They said boroughs would look at the details and work with the GLA to ensure people and businesses benefit from the measures.

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