For years, London’s councils have been critiqued for their caution concerning the capital’s nightlife. Now, the government have announced new powers for the London Mayor who has promised to do right by nightlife businesses.
Pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, music venues; each have had difficulty dealing with the local council. Rather than being seen as the vital social hubs they are, nightlife businesses have been debilitated by local council action and rulings.
Issues such as al fresco dining and late opening hours have been met with a fraught hardline stance – requests are incessantly shunned and communication is poor. Recent licensing decisions have only increased the difficulties for nighttime business owners, and instead of helping the sector through such a turbulent time, councils are seen to have been complicit in stunting growth.
What are the new powers given to the London Mayor?
The government have announced a review of the London Mayor’s licencing powers alongside the Greater London Authority (GLA). The decision looks to offer Sir Sadiq Khan a greater influence in the strategic decision making of local licensing powers. Knowing his strong intent on growth, expect a backing of recycling initiatives, free speech, diverse representation, late opening hours and outdoor dining.
In a statement, 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.”
How will the Mayor’s new powers benefit nightlife?
Key areas expected to be reviewed and improved include: al fresco dining, late opening times, and relax licensing conditions. Extra powers should allow the Mayor to do more in supporting pubs clubs and music venues within the capital.
The news is welcome considering confidence in the hospitality industry has hit its lowest point in two years; rising wage costs, national insurance contributions and business rates have each hit the sector this month.
UKHospitality, the industry trade body, has said the combination of rising costs would amount to a £3.4billion hit for the industry, and has called on the Government to come up with a plan for hospitality.
This change and new powers may lead to greater support and growth for the industry. The Mayor could overturn council bans on late venues and affect licensing decisions. The hope is to see further pedestrianisation and hospitality-focussed urban areas that will benefit the nighttime economy.
Pedestrianisation schemes may well resemble the bright future prophesied by London’s hospitality businesses.
