London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is reportedly planning to override opposition to al fresco dining in Soho.
New powers coming into force on Monday will allow Sir Sadiq to overrule Westminster Council, which has refused to back an expansion of outdoor dining in the summer months.
The London mayor said the current system is “outdated, inconsistent, and frankly illogical” as he looks to meet the wider interests of Londoners, businesses, and the capital’s night time economy.
The council failed to apply for seasonal pedestrianisation this year, despite Sir Sadiq’s £500,000 relaunch of the Summer Streets project, which gives councils funding for outdoor eating and drinking areas.
However, sources close to Sir Sadiq reportedly say that he will overrule the council’s decision in the entertainment district and grant Soho venues permission to expand outdoor dining options in 2027.
A source close to the mayor told The Guardian: “Opening up our streets to al fresco dining and other events should be at the heart of supporting our brilliant hospitality venues over the summer and autumn. Yet the attitude of too many influential people around Soho is that bringing more fun and socialising to our streets is something to be thwarted and blocked.
“With new licensing powers coming to the mayor this year, we hope things will be done differently – supporting our amazing venues that want to expand and offer even more for their customers.”
It is understood that new powers will allow the mayor to create a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy, make formal representations on licensing decisions, be consulted when boroughs revise their licensing policies, and call in important decisions.
It will still be up to councils to decide if they apply for the Summer Streets funding.
Pedestrianisation has long been resisted by Westminster Council even though it operated a popular al fresco dining scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw Soho awash with Londoners enjoying street-side dining.
The scheme came to an end when residents’ group Soho Society complained about the noise caused by drinking and dining outside.
The Soho Society has faced accusations of “nimbyism” after voting to oppose all new bar and restaurant licensing applications, including applications seeking opening hours beyond 11pm, earlier this month.
But Sir Sadiq hit back, branding the group as “silly”. He has also previously accused Westminster councillors of thwarting nighttime economy plans.
While Westminster Council has turned down funding from the Summer Streets Scheme, plenty of London councils including Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich, and Lambeth will now launch large outdoor events in a boost for their borough.
Smaller schemes will also be seen in Lewisham, Sutton, Waltham Forest, and Islington, which will include food and drink night markets and live music.
Sir Sadiq said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital.
“From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.
“Today also marks a landmark moment for London’s licensing system as for the first time ever City Hall has a direct say in how licensing decisions are made across the capital. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer, I’m determined to support our hospitality and nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Kate Nicholls, the chair of UKHospitality, an industry association, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many London boroughs taking advantage of the mayor’s summer streets fund. From food markets and al fresco dining to World Cup screenings, it shows the power of hospitality to drive activity and bring our communities together. I look forward to seeing the success of all the events this summer.”
