The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been granted a new set of licensing powers that allow him to decide on applications for new venues, major events and festivals deemed important to the city’s cultural scene. The remit also includes input on local licensing matters and the opening hours of venues and outdoor gatherings across London.
These powers are intended to streamline the licensing process and support the city’s nightlife economy. Khan has described the change as an opportunity to further champion jobs and business in the sector, as first reported by The Quietus.