New Plan to Help Pubs and Clubs Stay Open Later Has Been Announced
Following a recent report from the independent, industry-led Nightlife Taskforce, which detailed 23 recommendations on how to support and grow the capital’s nighttime industries, including implementing new rules that make it harder to close “noisy” venues, the Mayor of London has now outlined plans to help pubs and clubs in the city stay open later.Sadiq Khan is looking to streamline licensing in the capital by establishing a London-wide licensing policy as opposed to the patchwork approach of differing local policies in each of the city’s boroughs. This would require local authorities to emphasise supporting the hospitality and nightlife industries and consider the economic and cultural benefits that licenses would bring. Alongside this new framework, Khan could also be given “call-in” powers by the Government, allowing him to overrule council licensing refusals.Speaking about his plans, Khan said: “We want to continue improving London’s nightlife by encouraging later opening hours, supporting our nightlife industries and revitalising our high streets.“Too often we’ve heard from pubs, clubs, music venues, restaurants and others that have struggled to get the licenses they need to succeed. That’s why I’m working to create a system that will end the ‘licensing postcode lottery’ and works for businesses, boroughs and Londoners alike.”With new venues opening in the city, and the expansion of nighttime events across other cultural institutions, there’s plenty to be positive about when it comes to nightlife in London.
