Mayor Sadiq Khan rebukes The Soho Society’s move to block all new alcohol licences, calling the group’s stance damaging to London’s night-time economy.
The Soho Society is pushing to freeze new bar and restaurant licences in the West End. Citing noise and crime, the resident group recently voted to challenge every new application, renewal, and extension beyond 11:00 PM.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has intervened, describing the move as 'bad for London.' His office argues that a thriving nightlife is essential for the city’s post-pandemic recovery and cultural identity.
This friction arrives as Khan prepares to use new 'call-in' powers this summer. These measures allow the Mayor to overrule local council licensing decisions in areas of strategic importance, potentially bypassing NIMBY resistance in key entertainment hubs.
While residents claim infrastructure hasn't kept pace with the night economy, the Mayor’s team remains focused on a city-wide overhaul to keep London’s culture from stagnating under restrictive curfews.