Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan will be able to seize control of major licensing decisions

GIVING the Greater London Authority new powers to overrule licensing decisions risks creating late-night chaos, residents’ groups warn.

Government changes to the process were drawn up aiming to create a more uniform approach across the capital. They include a licensing “playbook” to guide applications and decision-making by council committees.

But concerns were revealed as residents’ groups were invited to a meeting with GLA officials on Friday to hear how the proposals would work.

David Kaner, chair of the Covent Garden Community Association’s licensing committee, said: “We are very concerned about the mayor’s strategic licensing policy, and the proposed definition of what is a ‘strategic application’ that he would be able to call in and decide himself.

“The stance taken is that any evidence or concern about the impact of an application on crime or noise in the West End needs to be interpreted in the context of the mayor having already decided that the whole area is suitable for late-night entertainment, even what are currently residential back streets.

“It clearly aims to make it more difficult for councils to refuse or limit applications despite the reasonable concerns of people living nearby. This policy will up-end the delicate balance that mostly exists now, and do so without the benefit of all the granular local knowledge that councils have.”

And of Sir Sadiq Khan, he said: “As if that was not enough, the mayor also wants to call in decisions on ‘strategic applications’ that he doesn’t agree with. His definition of ‘strategic’ is not a common sense one.”

In a draft policy document, the GLA say changes will boost trade and reflect the importance of London’s night-time economy. It says venues need greater support and flexibility.

“The current approach is inconsistent and costly,” it said. “Many applicants report that the costs of obtaining and maintaining a licence can be significant… The current system stifles innovation, discouraging businesses from adopting creative and novel models.”

A GLA spokesperson said the new plans would only call in decisions under “exceptional circumstances” in the same way planning applications are called in, and would be reviewed two years after their adoption this summer.

Licensing chief councillor, Labour’s Camron Aref-Adib told the Extra: “Camden
hosts one of London’s most significant cultural and night-time economies. Our music venues, theatres, hospitality businesses, and community spaces are integral to the capital’s global reputation and to the vitality of our high streets. We recognise the importance of a licensing system that supports inclusive economic growth, regeneration and participation, while maintaining strong protections for residents.”

And he added: “We want to make sure that residents’ views are central and encourage greater dialogue before formal applications are submitted. Any strategic framework should guide, rather than dilute, local decision-making and resident involvement”.