Supporting London’s Nighttime Economy

James Small-Edwards AM moved, and Bassam Mahfouz AM seconded the following motion: 

“The Assembly condemns Westminster Council’s draft licensing policy which poses a severe threat to the nighttime economy of the West End and Soho - and an attack on the Great British pub.

The Assembly is concerned at the Council’s anti-growth plans to restrict new licences, limit ‘vertical drinking’, curb ordering at the bar, and enact a ‘core hours’ policy creating an assumed closing time of 11pm for most licensed venues.

The Assembly views London’s nighttime economy as vital to the city’s success, tourism sector and wider economic growth.

Unfortunately, the hospitality sector has faced a range of challenges and rising costs over the last decade.

The Assembly welcomes the new strategic licensing powers which are being given to the Mayor through the Devolution and Community Empowerment Act.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

• Use his new licensing powers to ensure undue restrictions are not placed on the capital’s licensed hospitality venues, including limits on ‘vertical drinking’ and ordering at the bar.
• Ensure that ‘core hours’ policies are not used to enforce early closing times in London’s key nighttime economy zones, including Soho and the West End.
• Write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to call for an ambitious support package for pubs at the upcoming Budget.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed with 13 votes being cast in favour, and 5 votes cast against.