London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he expects an immediate impact as new powers are introduced allowing him to override local councils that have blocked later opening hours for pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
In a bold move to revitalise the capital’s night-time economy, Khan declared that councils would no longer be able to “stifle” London’s hospitality scene by refusing applications for extended hours and al fresco dining. The announcement follows longstanding concerns that overly cautious licensing decisions have been holding back the city’s vibrant cultural and hospitality offering.
Speaking at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in Soho, the Mayor said, “I think you’ll see a difference from today. Why? Because councils will know the Chancellor and the Prime Minister are quite serious in saying they will give me powers. Councils aren’t making the right call.”
The move comes amid fresh calls for support from the hospitality sector, which has been grappling with rising costs, business rates, and wage pressures. UKHospitality has warned of a £3.4 billion burden on the industry as new costs kick in this month.
Khan was joined at the venue by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who met with hospitality leaders including Greene King boss Nick Mackenzie and UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls to discuss the sector’s future.
The Mayor said music venues, pubs, and bars that draw both Londoners and tourists alike are being forced to shut earlier than necessary because of “onerous licensing conditions.”
“Look at today in London—it’s hotter than Ibiza. Where’s the al fresco outdoor dining?” he asked. “What we can’t have is a vocal minority of hyper-local residents stifling growth, stifling job creation, and stifling our economy.”
Khan clarified that the powers to intervene would not apply across the whole of London but would be targeted at designated zones where night-time activity is essential to the local economy. He said this would avoid a “one size fits all” approach and ensure flexibility across boroughs.
However, the Mayor was clear in his message to areas with a long-standing nightlife reputation, such as Soho. He dismissed complaints from residents opposed to longer hours in historic areas.
“Anybody who chose to live in Soho must understand the history of this area, surely. I mean, Ronnie Scott’s has been here for a long time… many of these pubs were set up in Victorian times or Tudor times,” he said.
The hospitality sector has welcomed the announcement, with many hoping it will bring much-needed momentum. Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality said: “This could be a game-changer for the industry, not just in London but potentially across other regions if the model works. We need flexibility and a supportive approach to licensing that matches modern consumer behaviour.”
Sadiq Khan hinted that, should the scheme prove successful, similar powers could be granted to other metro mayors in places like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, offering a broader boost to night-time economies nationwide.
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The new framework reflects a wider government desire to empower local leadership with greater control over economic recovery. Chancellor Reeves said the Government is committed to working with city leaders to ensure decisions are made with local growth in mind.
Despite the optimism, some local councils have expressed concerns that the Mayor’s new authority may sideline legitimate residential concerns. However, supporters argue that a balanced approach can be achieved.
As Khan looks to make good on his promise of change “from today,” all eyes will now be on boroughs like Westminster, Hackney, and Camden to see how licensing decisions begin to evolve—and whether London’s nightlife can finally reclaim its global reputation.
The Mayor’s office confirmed a public consultation process will begin shortly, allowing businesses and residents to have their say on proposed changes in designated nightlife zones.
