London mayor to use new powers to support nightlife and restaurants
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is set to receive new licensing powers from the government, which he aims to use to slash red tape around London’s nightlife and support businesses in the hospitality industry.
An analysis by City Hall showed that if Khan’s new powers resembled those of New York City’s leadership, he could boost the capital’s economy by around £2 billion a year through extending opening hours, increasing spending, and opening more businesses.
The powers soon to be granted to the mayor could allow him to have the final decision on licensing applications for key nightlife venues and better support initiatives such as al fresco dining.
As al-fresco dining and drinking returns today to St Martin’s Lane in the West End as part of his Summer Streets programme, Khan declared that he wants outdoor dining and drinking to become a permanent feature of London.
He added that initiatives such as al-fresco dining deliver a major boost to London’s nightlife economy, with outdoor tables already available in Brixton, Leyton and Shoreditch as part of the campaign.
As part of this campaign, St Martin’s Lane will be car-free from 11am until 11pm every day until the end of October, with restaurants and cafes offering outdoor tables for food and drinks across the street.
“I’m delighted that al fresco dining and drinking has returned to St Martin’s Lane in the heart of the West End, with Londoners and visitors once again lining the street to enjoy the finest food and drinks,” Khan said.
“I’m determined that our fantastic Summer Streets schemes are just the start of what’s to come for our capital and want to see al-fresco dining become a permanent feature of our nightlife across London.”
“Our new analysis shows that changes to licensing can boost our economy by billions each year and I’m committed to working with councils to support our restaurants, bars and cafes and unlock the full potential of our capital’s nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone,” he said.
