Sadiq Khan proposes London nightlife licensing overhaul

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced plans for an overhaul of licensing rules in a bid to boost nightlife growth in the capital.

This week, Khan launched a six-week consultation on the proposed Strategic Licensing Policy, which would create a more standardised approach to licensing across London’s 33 local boroughs. The policy would replace what the Mayor’s office describes as an assortment of differing local licensing policies which frequently slow down, or outright block, new venues from opening.

Under the Strategic Licensing Policy, those making licensing decisions would be asked to consider economic and cultural benefits alongside traditional considerations, such as a venue’s impact on the local community. By shifting the focus to the value of nightlife spaces in the city, the new measures aim to boost London’s nightlife and wider economy, while also helping to cut unnecessary costs for businesses preparing to open.

If the new policy is given the go-ahead by government, Khan will also gain new powers to override local authorities and take control of licensing applications that are considered significant to the city. Such applications could include large venues and festivals.

“We want to continue improving London’s nightlife by encouraging later opening hours, supporting our nightlife industries and revitalising our high streets,” Khan said in a statement announcing the Strategic Licensing Policy. “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,” he continued. “By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer at night for Londoners and visitors, we can continue to grow our capital’s nightlife offer and build a better London for everyone.”

Find out more about the Mayor of London’s Strategic Licensing Policy proposals, and have your say, here.

The announcement follows on from the first report released by the London Nightlife Taskforce last month.

Formed in 2025, the London Nightlife Taskforce is an 11-person group established to help tackle the “huge range of challenges” currently faced by the capital’s nightlife industry.