London Mayor Sadiq Khan has criticised Westminster Council’s proposed licensing changes that could restrict new Soho venues from offering “music, dancing and similar entertainment,” according to NME.
The Conservative-run council is consulting on a draft policy covering parts of the West End, including Soho. Under the plan, officials would “normally refuse” licence applications for new pubs, bars, fast food venues or entertainment spots within its West End Cumulative Impact Zone.
In a statement posted on August 6, Khan said: “You can’t run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset.” He added that London’s hospitality and nightlife sectors support jobs, culture and growth, and said new powers for City Hall would help ensure licensing decisions take the wider benefits for the city into account.
A Westminster Council spokesperson defended the proposal, saying the aim is to help venues manage customers so pavements do not become overcrowded and excessive drinking does not bother people passing by. The draft policy also encourages more seating and table service instead of “vertical drinking.”
The Night Time Industries Association has warned the changes could be a serious shift for hospitality, while the Music Venue Trust recently reported continued financial strain across the UK live music sector, including venue closures and job losses.
