London Mayor to be handed new "call in" powers in licensing pilot

The Mayor of London could be granted new call in powers to review blocked licensing applications in nightlife hotspots as part of a pilot announced today (4 April).

The scheme, which is aimed at encouraging more alfresco dining and later opening hours in the capital, could be rolled out to other areas with mayors across England, according to Government plans.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, announced the pilot as part of changes intended to cut "red tape" for the hospitality industry.

The Government said it will work with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to review strategic licensing powers and explore the pilot scheme, providing the Mayor of London with new powers over strategic licensing.

This could include a new "call in" power over licensing applications in areas of strategic importance for the nighttime economy, it added.

It also said that the Government and the GLA will work closely with local stakeholders, including the police, to design the pilot scheme.

Commenting on the programme, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: "Our pubs, restaurants, and live music venues are the beating heart of our cultural life, so it is vital they are given every chance to survive and thrive.

"That's why it's time to give the Mayor of London new powers to back the capital's pubs and clubs, as part of our plan to give mayors the tools they need to drive growth."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "This significant decision would allow us to do more to support the capital's pubs, clubs, music venues and other parts of the visit and tourist scene."

He claimed the changes would boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country.

The Government has also established a group of industry leaders to explore and evaluate better licensing options for businesses. It will report back in six weeks.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer Association said: “A review of the 2003 Licensing Act is long overdue.  We are currently working with MPs to pass an amendment to permitted licensing hours at times of major national events when Parliament is not sitting.  But this is just one example where the current law restricts the ability of pubs to respond to consumer demand and sell beer and other drinks in a responsible manner.

“There will be many other simple changes that can be made to the Act that will ease the ability to do business and drive more sales, invest and grow.  I look forward to the quick implementation of the recommendations that the taskforce brings forward and urge the government to repeat this exercise across a number of other policy areas where urgent reforms are needed including business rates reform, packaging reform and much needed cuts to beer duty.”

Westminster City Council, the licensing authority for popular central London nightlife areas like Soho, 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.

“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.”

Adam Carey