London Mayor Sadiq Khan gains new powers over nightlife licensing

The changes give City Hall more control over venue licensing, opening hours, and major cultural events.

Photo credit: Sadiq Khan – Instagram

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has secured new licensing powers intended to establish a more consistent approach to the city’s nightlife and hospitality sectors. He announced the changes during his November 3rd, 2026, visit to Blue Note London.

Under the new framework, the mayor will have greater authority over local licensing decisions and opening hours, including the ability to approve applications for large venues, major events, and festivals considered strategically important to London’s cultural life.

The changes also require individual boroughs to consult the mayor when revising their licensing policies, while City Hall will receive all licensing applications.

“These new licensing powers create an opportunity to further champion London’s amazing venues, particularly our hospitality industry,” said Sadiq Khan in an official statement.

“I’m looking forward to setting a new direction for our capital’s life at night, creating a more strategic and consistent approach to licensing.”

The announcement follows earlier plans to introduce a London-wide licensing framework. The proposed approach aims to balance support for nightlife businesses and cultural venues with the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

The new powers represent a change in how licensing decisions can be coordinated across London’s boroughs, potentially affecting venues, promoters, and organizers of major cultural events.

Read the full announcement here.