Khan vows to overrule residents’ group’s objections to Soho bars and restaurants | Sadiq Khan
London mayor Sadiq Khan has suggested he would overrule a community of residents who have vowed to oppose all new applications for pubs and bars in Soho.
The Guardian revealed last week that in 1972 the Soho Society, a residents’ group that aimed to “preserve the character of Soho”, had voted for a new licensing mandate, meaning it would oppose any new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including the renewal of existing licences.
He will also object to any venues wanting to open beyond “core hours”, which Westminster council has ruled will end at 11pm. Many people complained that it was very difficult to get food or drink in central London after 11pm due to the “core opening hours” policy.
Khan said this was “bad for London” and that new powers given to him by the government, due to come into force this year, would allow him to “extend London’s midnight offer”.
These powers will allow him to overturn decisions taken by local councils to prevent pubs and bars from opening.
The mayor will be able to make license applications “on call” in areas considered to be of strategic importance for the night economy.
The move could mean bars opening later and more outdoor dining. During the pandemic, Soho was closed to traffic and restaurants were allowed to serve people outdoors. However, after intense campaigning by the Soho Community and other residents, this plan was canceled and there is little outdoor dining in the area during the summer months.
He said: “Soho Community’s decision to oppose all new and extended license applications is wrong – it is bad for London.
“Once in place, the new licensing powers granted to me by the government, combined with our bold new proposals to support London’s hospitality and nightlife, will help us protect venues, expand London’s late-night offer and allow the capital’s nightlife to thrive.”
Restaurant and bar owners say Soho Society’s plans could destroy Soho’s reputation on the international stage as London’s entertainment district.
Reports have revealed that London’s nightlife has struggled in recent years, with footfall falling and venues closing.
The association claims that the central London area has seen an intensification of nightlife and unacceptable noise, as well as crime and litter caused by the proliferation of late-night revelers.
A spokesman for Soho Community said: “The Society is a volunteer-run outreach community that comments locally on planning and licensing decisions, as in other cities across the country. It holds monthly meetings where applications are reviewed for compliance with council policy, ensuring that these comments are based on a broad reflection of the views of people in the community.”
“Our objections are generally based on data and experience that the intensification of the night-time economy in Soho is not matched by an equivalent increase in the infrastructure required to safely accommodate such growth.”
