London councils that block pubs and clubs from opening later could see their decisions overturned by Sir Sadiq Khan under new powers from the Government.
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00:00Clubs and pubs in London could now open later if the mayor uses new given
00:07powers to overturn council decisions which implement early at closing times.
00:12Westminster has given Sadiq Khan these powers in an attempt to grow the local
00:20hospitality sector with ministers saying they are allowing the London mayor to
00:26quote-on-quote call in licensing decisions for key nightlife areas in the
00:32capital. Of course this announcement comes at a time when confidence in the
00:38hospitality industry has hit its lowest points in two years as rising wage costs,
00:45national insurance contributions and business rates hit the sector this month.
00:50Sir Sadiq responded to this decision saying the extra powers would allow us
00:56to do more to support the capital's pubs, clubs and music venues. The decision also
01:04follows concern that London's councils have been too cautious restricting the
01:11capital's nightlife by rejecting applications for things such as extended
01:16opening hours. This announcement also comes as an appeal is launched by
01:22London's councils for a greater say in how the capital is run. London councils,
01:29the body which represents the 32 boroughs, called on Thursday for a new
01:34power-sharing arrangement with the mayor giving them a formal say over the
01:41capital's strategic direction.