London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is reportedly planning to override opposition to al fresco dining in Soho using new licensing powers that come into effect on Monday. The move would allow him to overrule Westminster Council, which has refused to back an expansion of outdoor dining during the summer months.
New Powers to Override Local Council
Khan described the current system as “outdated, inconsistent, and frankly illogical” as he seeks to meet the wider interests of Londoners, businesses, and the capital’s night-time economy. The council failed to apply for seasonal pedestrianisation this year, despite Khan’s £500,000 relaunch of the Summer Streets project, which provides funding for outdoor eating and drinking areas.
Sources close to Khan say he will overrule the council’s decision in the entertainment district and grant Soho venues permission to expand outdoor dining options in 2027. A source told The Guardian: “Opening up our streets to al fresco dining and other events should be at the heart of supporting our brilliant hospitality venues over the summer and autumn. Yet the attitude of too many influential people around Soho is that bringing more fun and socialising to our streets is something to be thwarted and blocked.”
Strategic Licensing Policy
The new powers will allow the mayor to create a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy, make formal representations on licensing decisions, be consulted when boroughs revise their licensing policies, and call in important decisions. However, it will still be up to councils to decide whether to apply for Summer Streets funding.
Pedestrianisation has long been resisted by Westminster Council, even though it operated a popular al fresco dining scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic that saw Soho awash with Londoners enjoying street-side dining. The scheme ended after the residents’ group Soho Society complained about noise from drinking and dining outside.
Accusations of Nimbyism
The Soho Society has faced accusations of “nimbyism” after voting to oppose all new bar and restaurant licensing applications, including those seeking opening hours beyond 11pm. Khan hit back, branding the group as “silly” and previously accusing Westminster councillors of thwarting night-time economy plans.
While Westminster Council has turned down Summer Streets funding, many other London councils—including Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich, and Lambeth—will launch large outdoor events. Smaller schemes will be seen in Lewisham, Sutton, Waltham Forest, and Islington, featuring food and drink night markets and live music.
Mayor’s Statement
Khan said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital. From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.”
He added: “Today also marks a landmark moment for London’s licensing system as for the first time ever City Hall has a direct say in how licensing decisions are made across the capital. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer, I’m determined to support our hospitality and nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Industry Reaction
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many London boroughs taking advantage of the mayor’s summer streets fund. From food markets and al fresco dining to World Cup screenings, it shows the power of hospitality to drive activity and bring our communities together. I look forward to seeing the success of all the events this summer.”
