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last mo.

Sadiq Khan Gains Powers to Overturn Licensing Decisions to Revive London Nightlife

The UK government grants the London mayor authority to challenge council restrictions, aiming to boost the capital's struggling hospitality sector with potential national expansion if successful.

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The owners of pubs, bars and clubs have complained the licensing regime works against them
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Overview

  • Sadiq Khan has been granted new powers to overturn council licensing decisions in designated nightlife zones, enabling later opening hours and more outdoor dining options.
  • The initiative aims to address the sharp decline in London's nightlife, which has seen a 32.7% drop in nightclubs since 2020 and a two-thirds reduction in 24-hour licensed venues from 2023 to 2024.
  • A £1.5 million hospitality support scheme has been launched to tackle staff shortages and provide training, including programs for ex-prisoners to join the workforce.
  • Industry leaders welcome the move but emphasize the need for broader reforms to counter rising costs, which have created a £3.4 billion annual financial strain on the hospitality sector.
  • If the pilot program in London proves successful, similar powers could be extended to other regions, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.