London's nightlife scene could be about to get a welcome boost, thanks to new powers that might be afforded to Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
It's no secret that London's nightlife hasn't had an easy time of it lately, what with the pandemic, a cost of living crisis and avaricious, rent-hiking landlords. Another sticking point for the city's pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants is what Chancellor Rachel Reeves has called the "burdensome red tape" of local councils rejecting late licensing applications.
But a pilot scheme now being considered by the government would allow Khan to consider overruling councils that put the kibosh on granting late licenses to London's venues. Khan says the scheme would "allow us to do more to support the capital's pubs, clubs, music venues and other parts of the visit and tourist scene.
"It would boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country."
The announcement has been welcomed by figures from London's nighttime industries, including Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, Chair of the British Beer and Pub Association and Co-Chair of the Licensing Taskforce; Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality and National Chair of the Institute of Licensing; and Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association.
The trick, we feel, would be to ensure the pilot doesn't allow for the kind of booze-fuelled, anti-social behaviour which critics fear is often precipitated by late night licensing. The government and the GLA have said they will work closely with the police, among others, to design the pilot scheme. That said, young Londoners are increasingly turning to a culture of moderation and sobriety anyway — something that could prove a double-edged sword for nighttime industries.
Londonist would also suggest that another way to boost the nighttime scene — in the summer months at least — is to encourage more al fresco drinking and dining. Anyone who visited Soho's Old Compton Street when it was pedestrianised during, and briefly after, the pandemic will know what a joy it was to sit out in the middle of a vehicle-free street. Who knows, if they finally get around to pedestrianising Oxford Street, we could all be enjoying a drink on the pavement outside Selfridges.
If successful here in London, the planned pilot scheme could then be expanded to places including Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
London appointed its first Night Czar, Amy Lamé, in 2016. Lamé stepped down from the role last year, and it hasn't been refilled.
