The Japan Times - London mayor gets new powers to revive capital's ailing nightlife

Khan will be granted new "call in" powers to review decisions of local councils that block late-drinking licences in nightlife hotspots.

If successful, other mayors across England could receive similar powers in a bid to revive the country's £62 billion hospitality sector, which was struggling even before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Businesses have complained that the current licensing system creates barriers to growth and investment, making it difficult to obtain extended licensing hours for late-night drinking and overcome objections from other firms.

"I am delighted that the government is looking to grant London greater powers over licensing," said Khan.

"This significant decision would allow us to do more to support the capital's pubs, clubs and music venues."

A pilot will also be launched to encourage more outdoor dining, said the government.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the government was determined to overcome the "blockers" as it aims to boost a nighttime economy that "has been neglected for so long".

"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," she said.

"Too often, we have seen the complaints of a vocal minority of objectors promoted over the need for our country to grow -- we are determined to change this," she added.

The pandemic dealt a severe blow to a hospitality sector, which employs three million people and is already grappling with a long-running trend of night-time leisure venues, pubs and restaurants closing across the UK.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) recently published figures showing a 32.7 percent decline in nightclubs across the country since 2020.

Reasons cited include rising rents, staffing shortages, shifting tastes among young people who are moving away from drinking alcohol and licensing legislation, while rampant inflation since the economy reopened has hampered the recovery process.

Khan launched a taskforce in February charged with providing recommendations "on how to ensure the night-time economy can thrive".

H.Takahashi--JT