Sadiq Khan boost to London ‘Summer Streets’ alfresco dining

Alfresco dining is set return to London in a big way this summer after the mayor, Sadiq Khan, laid the groundwork for a city-wide licensing policy with a £300,000 ‘Summer Streets’ Fund. This could pave the way for Khan – who wants to pedestrianise parts of Soho and other areas of the capital to boost hospitality, nightlife and spending – to make decisions without the 32 boroughs and the City of London, all with different licensing policies, being able to intervene.

There have long been calls for Soho in particular to be pedestrianised after the streets were temporarily made car-free in the aftermath of the pandemic. Hospitality businesses in the area credit the move for their survival after months without trading.

Last year Architects John Lacey and Russell Potter proposed to permanently pedestrianise Soho, inspired by the summer of 2020. The plan had centred on closing thoroughfares including Old Compton Street and Greek Street to private vehicles while maintaining morning windows for deliveries, services and cleaning.

Westminster city council, the local authority, has balked at any further pedestrianisation citing the concerns of local residents and voters. Alongside the consultation was a change in guidance to local authorities across the capital to “consider the impact on the economy and encouraging growth when making licensing decisions, ensuring more support is given to nightlife and hospitality venues”.

The hope is that even where the mayor does not intervene, licensing decisions favour businesses where possible. 

Khan said: “Too often we’ve heard from pubs, clubs, music venues, restaurants and others that have struggled to get the licences they need to succeed. That’s why I’m working to create a system that will end the ‘licensing postcode lottery’ and work for businesses, boroughs and Londoners alike. 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.”

The mayor was given the power to shape licensing from City Hall by the government late last year. This would allow him to overturn local council decisions that block the expansion of late-night bars, pubs and restaurants in a move to boost the capital’s nightlife and hospitality sector. It is hoped that the scheme will result in later opening hours and more outdoor dining in London, with further plans to roll out the scheme to other parts of the country if successful, including Birmingham and Manchester.