The powers, which came into effect this week (3 November), allow Khan to review and make final decisions on licensing applications deemed strategically important to London’s economy and nightlife.
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These could include applications involving large venues, live music, extended opening hours, festivals and major events.
Borough councils will retain responsibility for routine licensing decisions, while the mayor can intervene following an initial local authority ruling.
Khan said: “These new licensing powers create an opportunity to further champion London’s amazing venues, particularly our hospitality industry.”
He added that the changes would help create a more consistent approach to licensing while protecting local communities.
‘Significant moment’
The changes have been welcomed by UKHospitality, which said they could support growth across London’s hospitality sector, employing around 500,000 people.
UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said: “This is a significant moment for London’s world-class hospitality sector and I’m delighted to back the Mayor’s pro-jobs approach, which will support a sector already employing half a million Londoners.”
The mayor will also introduce a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy, with a final version expected later this year following public consultation.
Boroughs must consult City Hall when revising their licensing policies, while the Greater London Authority can make formal representations on applications.
Council concerns
However, the changes have faced opposition from local authorities concerned about the transfer of decision-making powers.
The move follows a dispute between Khan and Westminster City Council in August, when the council accused the mayor of pursuing a “relentless power grab” after he called for proposed restrictions on pubs and bars to be dropped.
At the time, Khan criticised Westminster’s proposed licensing policy, including restrictions on standing trade and late-night opening.
Westminster deputy leader Tim Barnes has since argued the new powers shift authority away from councils without addressing the wider pressures facing nightlife operators.
London Councils has also raised concerns about the broad definition of strategically important applications and the additional resources boroughs may need to manage the process.
The mayor’s office says the changes will support investment and jobs while retaining existing licensing safeguards, including public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.
