London’s nightlife faces overhaul that could make it easier to open longer
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is set to be handed new powers which would allow him to overrule licensing decisions by local councils.
The changes could mean the mayor is able to step in and give the green light to venues wanting to stay open later – even after their requests have been rejected.
Applications in ‘a location of strategic importance’ or with a ‘significant economic impact’ would be among those subject to intervention by Khan.
Such licensing decisions are typically left in the hands of the capital’s boroughs, which each have a different policy on which projects are given the go-ahead.
The changes would form part of London’s new Strategic Licensing Policy, which would apply a single set of guidelines across the whole of the city in an effort to revitalise the capital’s troubled nightlife.
Campaigners such as the Music Venue Trust have bemoaned the impact of awkward and complex licensing rules that make it difficult for venues to continue operating – or even open in the first place.
Renowned Soho gay bay G-A-Y closed its doors in October last year due to issues with rent.
Owner Jeremy Joseph told Metro: ‘I did consider extending G-A-Y Bar’s license to 3am after we lost G-A-Y Late but what’s the point when I know Soho Society will object, police licensing will object, EHO will object.
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‘It’s a constant uphill battle and another fight in the face of a cost of living crisis which has negatively impacted nearly all of the hospitality sector.
Last May, Metro launched its London Grassroots Music Tube Map, putting a spotlight on venues that play a vital role in launching careers and bringing communities together.
Khan argued the changes to licensing in London would give a boost to city high streets and expand its late-night offering.
He said: ‘Too often we’ve heard from pubs, clubs, music venues, restaurants and others that have struggled to get the licenses 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.’
The new plans are subject to a consultation, which is launching today.
Cameron Leslie, co-founder of iconic London nightclub Fabric and chair of Khan’s Nightlife Taskforce, said licensing was ‘one of the most significant structural challenges facing London’s nightlife’.
He said the broader framework would ‘remove unnecessary barriers, support well-managed venues and give boroughs and businesses a stronger basis for collaboration’.
The latest report for the Music Venue Trust found there were 801 grassroots music venues operating at the end of July 2025, down from 810 at the same point in 2024.
While the decline in venue count was the smallest since 2018, the number of people employed in the sector fell by almost 20% over the same period, with operators largely blaming the increase in employers’ national insurance.
A total of 30 grassroots music venues closed over the course of the year, while 48 were identified as changing to no longer fit the definition.
Meanwhile, 69 venues were newly recognised as fitting the criteria.
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