Sadiq Khan Given Controversial New Powers to Save London’s Nightlife
Sir Sadiq Khan is set to be handed new powers that could allow him to overturn decisions made by London councils when it comes to pubs, clubs, and late-night venues – and the move has already got people talking.
Under new plans from the Government, the Mayor of London will be able to “call in” licensing decisions in key nightlife areas, essentially giving him the final say if a council decides to block later opening hours. It’s all part of a wider push to revive the capital’s night-time economy, which has taken a battering in recent years.
If the changes work well in London, they could even be rolled out to other areas like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
The idea is to create more freedom for venues to stay open later and to encourage things like outdoor dining – the kind of atmosphere you see in other major cities around the world. But it comes at a time when hospitality businesses are already under massive pressure, with rising costs across the board. From minimum wage hikes to increased National Insurance and business rates, many venues are feeling the squeeze.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith wasn’t pulling any punches, calling the move hypocritical. “The hypocrisy of this Labour Government is staggering,” he said, accusing them of claiming to cut red tape while introducing a raft of new measures that could make things harder for businesses.
He pointed to Labour-led councils like Westminster trying to enforce ‘quiet spaces’, and mentioned that over 3,000 venues closed under the watch of Khan’s former night czar. “It is clear Labour does not understand business,” he said.
Despite the criticism, industry bodies like UKHospitality say something has to give. They’ve warned the combined impact of wage increases, National Insurance changes, and other costs could hit the sector to the tune of £3.4 billion. They’re calling for a clear plan to help keep venues afloat.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves tried to strike a more optimistic tone, saying: “British businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Our Plan for Change will make sure they have the conditions to grow – not be tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape.”
Angela Rayner echoed that sentiment, saying it’s time to give local mayors the tools to help the nightlife industry bounce back. “Our pubs, restaurants, and live music venues are the beating heart of our cultural life,” she said, “so it is vital they are given every chance to survive and thrive.”
Whether this actually brings life back to the UK’s nightlife scene or just adds more political back-and-forth remains to be seen – but for now, the ball is in Sadiq Khan’s court.
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