Sadiq Khan can now make the final call on some of London’s biggest licensing decisions, including festivals. His new London licensing powers came into force on Tuesday 3 November. For the first time, a UK mayor can decide a licensing application directly.
Until now, licensing decisions in London sat with the boroughs. City Hall says the capital’s nightlife has struggled with “inconsistent licensing rules and complex processes”. Councils still make the first decision. The Mayor can then step in on cases he sees as strategically important to London. He decides whether to approve them.
Which applications the London licensing powers cover
The government’s rules set out what can be called in. Venues with a proposed capacity above 5,000 qualify. So do licences that run for less than three months, which is how many one-off outdoor events are licensed. Bigger premises in the higher fee bands are also in scope. So are venues with activities after 11pm and some live music venues.
There are limits. Call-in doesn’t apply to off-licences, club premises certificates or Temporary Event Notices. Reviews of existing licences stay with the boroughs, and the Mayor has 20 working days to decide on a case.
The four licensing objectives haven’t changed. They’re preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm. City Hall says residents will still be able to have their say.
Venues and the night-time industry back the change
Khan marked the change at Blue Note London with housing secretary Angela Rayner. “These new licensing powers create an opportunity to further champion London’s amazing venues,” he said.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, called it “a landmark moment for London’s nightlife”. He said “outdated and fragmented licensing processes have held back investment” in the capital’s night-time economy. Music Venue Trust founder Mark Davyd said it was “a significant step forward for live music across the capital”.
Blue Note opened in London in September. Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group, said getting there meant “working through a complex licensing process”.
City Hall is also working on a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy. The Mayor is reviewing responses to this year’s public consultation and plans to publish the final policy later this year. Our GALA 2027 lineup story covers one of the London park festivals already set for next year.
