The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, is offering a £500,000 boost to lift the capital's summer nightlife with more al-fresco dining and extended opening hours. Despite this initiative, Westminster Council has been accused of 'thwarting fun in Soho' after they failed to apply for funding, despite being accused of being controlled by Nimby resident groups that are destroying Soho's reputation as one of the largest entertainment districts.
A source close to Sir Sadiq stated that opening up streets to al-fresco dining and other events should be at the heart of supporting hospitality venues over the summer and autumn. However, the attitude of influential people in Soho is that bringing more fun and socializing to the streets is something to be thwarted and blocked.
Mark Fuller, owner of Sanctum Hotel in the area, said that the area is 'only declining', as when he first started work in the 1980s, most licenses ended at 3am. He expressed concern that if independent venues are not allowed to thrive, Soho will become filled with American sweet shops and other chains like in Leicester Square.
Paul Swaddle, leader of Westminster City Council, stated that the council will look at how best to take advantage of the scheme next year but in the interim, they look forward to welcoming readers to a thriving west end. However, the council's Conservative administration took charge a couple of days before the deadline to apply for funding, which has been seen as a missed opportunity.
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, will receive landmark new licencing powers from today, giving him a say in the licencing process and allowing him to create a new London-wide policy. This change will enable him to interrogate and scrutinize decisions, and he will also be consulted on strategically important policies.
Despite Westminster Council's failure to apply for funding, some 13 boroughs have still applied for the 'Summer Streets' programme to boost nightlife this summer. Four large 'al-fresco' projects have received grants of up to £100,000 to transform areas with outdoor dining, World Cup screenings, and markets.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said that he is delighted to be working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events, and later opening hours to streets across the capital. He stated that by making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what's on offer, he is determined to support the hospitality and nightlife industry, as they build a better London for everyone.
