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  "path": "/2026/02/12/sadiq-khan-soon-get-power-overturn-london-nightlife-licensing-decisions-26836618/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-12T06:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "News",
    "Politics",
    "London",
    "London Grassroots Music Tube Map",
    "Sadiq Khan",
    "cost of living",
    "HERE",
    "Music Venue Trust",
    "**check our news page**",
    "Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source"
  ],
  "textContent": "Sadiq Khan may soon be able to overrule borough councils on licensing (Picture: Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images)\n\nMayor of London Sadiq Khan is set to be handed new powers which would allow him to overrule licensing decisions by local councils.\n\nThe changes could mean the mayor is able to step in and give the green light to venues wanting to stay open later – even after their requests have been rejected.\n\nApplications in ‘a location of strategic importance’ or with a ‘significant economic impact’ would be among those subject to intervention by Khan.\n\nSuch licensing decisions are typically left in the hands of the capital’s boroughs, which each have a different policy on which projects are given the go-ahead.\n\nThe changes would form part of London’s new Strategic Licensing Policy, which would apply a single set of guidelines across the whole of the city in an effort to revitalise the capital’s troubled nightlife.\n\nCampaigners such as the Music Venue Trust have bemoaned the impact of awkward and complex licensing rules that make it difficult for venues to continue operating – or even open in the first place.\n\nRenowned Soho gay bay G-A-Y closed its doors in October last year due to issues with rent.\n\nOwner Jeremy Joseph told **Metro** : ‘I did consider extending G-A-Y Bar’s license to 3am after we lost G-A-Y Late but what’s the point when I know Soho Society will object, police licensing will object, EHO will object.\n\n‘It’s a constant uphill battle and another fight in the face of a cost of living crisis which has negatively impacted nearly all of the hospitality sector.\n\n##  DICE's 25 grassroots artists to see in 2025\n\nTicketing app DICE has put together a list of their 25 grassroots artists you need to see in London over the next six months.\n\nWith tickets ranging from free to £27.50, these shows will ensure a great night to suit all tastes and budgets.\n\nClick HERE to catch the full list.\n\nLast May, **Metro** launched its London Grassroots Music Tube Map, putting a spotlight on venues that play a vital role in launching careers and bringing communities together.\n\n\n\nThe London Grassroots Music Tube Map – CLICK TO ENLARGE\n\nKhan argued the changes to licensing in London would give a boost to city high streets and expand its late-night offering.\n\nHe said: ‘Too often we’ve heard from pubs, clubs, music venues, restaurants and others that have struggled to get the licenses they need to succeed.\n\n‘That’s why I’m working to create a system that will end the “licensing postcode lottery” and works for businesses, boroughs and Londoners alike.’\n\nThe new plans are subject to a consultation, which is launching today.\n\nG-A-Y is among the London nightlife favourites that have closed in the past year (Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images)\n\nCameron Leslie, co-founder of iconic London nightclub Fabric and chair of Khan’s Nightlife Taskforce, said licensing was ‘one of the most significant structural challenges facing London’s nightlife’.\n\nHe said the broader framework would ‘remove unnecessary barriers, support well-managed venues and give boroughs and businesses a stronger basis for collaboration’.\n\nThe latest report for the Music Venue Trust found there were 801 grassroots music venues operating at the end of July 2025, down from 810 at the same point in 2024.\n\nWhile the decline in venue count was the smallest since 2018, the number of people employed in the sector fell by almost 20% over the same period, with operators largely blaming the increase in employers’ national insurance.\n\nA total of 30 grassroots music venues closed over the course of the year, while 48 were identified as changing to no longer fit the definition.\n\nMeanwhile, 69 venues were newly recognised as fitting the criteria.\n\n******Get in touch with our news team by emailing us atwebnews@metro.co.uk.******\n\n**For more stories like this,****check our news page**.\n\nComment now Comments  Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source ",
  "title": "Sadiq Khan could soon get power to overturn London nightlife licensing decisions"
}