Sadiq Khan vows to end “licensing postcode lottery” with London-wide strategic licensing policy

The consultation also covers a new London Licensing Playbook that will explain best practice and provide templates and approaches to ensure consistency across the capital.

Publication of the proposed Strategic Licensing Policy and London Licensing Playbook follows the Government’s announcement that it would give licensing powers to the Mayor in a bid to boost the night-time economy.

These include the ability to call in certain types of licensing applications deemed to be of strategic importance.

The Strategic Licensing Policy will require licensing decisions across the 33 London local authorities to promote the licensing objectives by:

• being based on evidence and avoid unnecessary costs and burdens for businesses.
• support economic growth, socialising and culture.
• support a wide range of cultural, hospitality and night-time activities.
• recognise the benefits of offering a range of well-managed activities after dark.
• be transparent and work closely with businesses to address issues.

The Mayor’s call-in powers are intended to allow intervention on applications that have a significant economic impact, such as large venues, festivals or temporary use of spaces before redevelopment, applications in a location of strategic importance, such as high streets, or that have an impact on the capital’s reputation.

The consultation on the Strategic Licensing Policy, the London Licensing Playbook and the Mayor's use of call-in powers closes on 27 March 2026.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We want to continue improving London's nightlife by encouraging later opening hours, supporting our nightlife industries and revitalising our high streets. Too often we’ve heard from pubs, clubs, music venues, restaurants and others that have struggled to get the licences they need to succeed. 

“That's why I’m working to create a system that will end the ‘licensing postcode lottery’ and works for businesses, boroughs and Londoners alike. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer at night for Londoners and visitors, we can continue to grow our capital’s nightlife offer and build a better London for everyone.”

The Government has separately issued updated s.182 Licensing Act 2003 guidance, urging licensing authorities to take into account local plans and strategies such as the Mayor’s London Plan and his vision for Good Growth.

This follows earlier amendments in November 2025 calling on licensing authorities to consider the impact on the economy and encourage growth when making licensing decisions.