The call comes as the Mayor of London is to be given new powers to review blocked licensing applications that it is hoped will boost the capital’s nightlife.
A letter has been sent to councils in London from Justine Simons OBE, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, and Howard Dawber, deputy mayor for business, after it was revealed there would be a landmark pilot to support hospitality, leisure and tourism in London through new strategic licensing powers for the Mayor.
This pilot, if successful, will be rolled out across the country to other towns and cities.
There is to be a consultation on the design of the pilot which will help assess how the new powers can be used and to better understand the types of decisions that may benefit from Mayoral intervention.
Councils are being invited to a send their designated cabinet lead for licensing to a roundtable.
Exciting moment for London
The letter said: “This is an exciting moment for London and an opportunity to work together.
“We are keen to learn from the expertise and experience of licensing officers from across London, so that our approach as a city to licencing reflects the broader economic, social and cultural value of a thriving night-time economy, while maintaining community safety and wellbeing.”
“These industries have faced significant challenges with rising operating costs and the ongoing cost of living crisis that is affecting consumers.
“Yet London’s pubs, clubs, theatres, restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues are not only critical to our economy—they’re the lifeblood of our communities and a key reason people choose to live, work, and invest here.”
However, there was some concern raised about the detail of the plans and how the system would work.
A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: “Westminster has the most pubs and clubs of any local authority so we already have extensive expertise in supporting business to thrive while balancing the views of local people and the police.
Safety and disruption
They added: “We grant the vast majority of licensing applications which are only refused where safety concerns are raised by the police or significant disruption is likely.
“We need to see the proposals in more detail before commenting further. Local authorities and licensing professionals should be represented on any working group.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from London Councils, which represents the 32 boroughs and City of London Corporation, said: “London boroughs are resolutely pro-growth and are committed to working with business, the Mayor of London and national government to turbocharge growth in every corner of our city.
“As licensing authorities, boroughs already play a critical role in enabling businesses to take advantage of opportunities for outdoor dining and late-night openings, in line with national legislation and the needs of local communities.
“This pilot will explore where strategic oversight could complement local licensing powers in the capital. Boroughs will be looking at the details as they emerge and working closely with the GLA to ensure Londoners and our hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries feel the benefits of this initiative.”
Poppleston Allen solicitor Felix Faulkner said the letter presented positive news for hospitality but warned, the devil was in the detail.
He added: “Exactly what the new pilot scheme involve and how the Government intends to roll out a singular Growth Plan across London’s unique boroughs, will be fundamental to its success.
“Excessive regulation and enhanced residential involvement have hamstrung the industry over the past few years through disproportionate conditions and restrictive operating hours, ultimately leading to too many premises calling last orders.
“The current landscape for the hospitality sector in London is extremely challenging and businesses have been calling out for years for support from central Government.
“Operators all across the city will have everything crossed that the promises made will be delivered and it is fundamental that they are given a seat at the table alongside council leaders to shape the future of London’s night-time Economy.”
Furthermore, The Institute of Licensing (IoL), which is the professional body for licensing practitioners across the UK, includes members that are licensing officers from the London boroughs.
Vice chair David Lucas said: “The IoL is committed to partnership working, particularly in relation to the effective and proactive management of hospitality, leisure and tourism venues. The IoL seeks to positively influence conversations and promote partnerships directly and indirectly related to a thriving night-time economy, while maintaining community safety and wellbeing.
“The proposed pilot to support hospitality, leisure and tourism in London is consistent with the aims and objectives of the IoL and we would be pleased to contribute to the consultation on the design of the pilot.
" We will also be working to support our chair, Kate Nicholls, as a member of the Mayor’s Late Night and Government’s Licensing Taskforces to develop and deliver this and other initiatives”
