Mayor's strategic licensing consultation

London’s culture, nightlife, hospitality, and events are a big part of what makes our city great. They generate jobs, bring communities together and boost the economy. The night-time economy (between 6pm and 6am) brings in billions of pounds to London each year and supports more than a million night-time workers. 

Licenses allow places like pubs, restaurants, clubs and music venues to sell alcohol, play music or serve food late at night. They also set the times these venues close at night.  

Businesses must apply for a licence with their local authority. In London, each local authority makes its own rules, reflecting local needs and national law, but without a London-wide perspective.

The system can make licensing hard to navigate. Businesses say that the current system can be expensive, confusing and inconsistent. Local authorities face challenges overseeing complex licensing systems with limited resources. Residents and community groups have also called for greater transparency in decision-making. 

The UK Government is proposing to give the Mayor of London new powers in licensing. This proposal, which depends on new legislation, aims to boost London’s nightlife, hospitality, culture and tourism, whilst keeping the city safe and inclusive.

The London pilot would trial a new licensing role for the Mayor, with day-to-day decision-making staying with local authorities. It would include: 

• A London strategic licensing policy
• A licensing best practice guide to help all licensing applicants and responsible authorities
• Recommendations for better licensing-related data sharing and collection
• A role for the Mayor to be consulted on local licensing policies in London
• A responsible authority role for the GLA, giving it a formal role in licensing applications and decisions
• A call-in power for the Mayor for strategically important decisions  

The pilot is intended to launch in Summer 2026. 

The pilot would not affect the objectives of the Licensing Act 2003, which remain unchanged. The pilot would also not affect:  

• Temporary Event Notices
• Off-trade premises
• Gambling   
• Club certificates
• Licensing fee structures
• Sexual entertainment venues

Since the UK Government announced the proposal for the pilot in April 2025, City Hall has been engaging with them and other key stakeholders on what this might look like. These include: 

• Metropolitan Police
• Local authorities
• Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
• Local health boards
• Businesses and venue operators
• Industry bodies and business improvement districts
• Residents and community groups 

A public consultation is taking place between February and March 2026, where Londoners and stakeholders can help shape the pilot and policy. 

You can get involved here on Talk London, by taking our short survey.  

Tell us, amongst other things: 

• Do you think there's a wide range of places to go after 11pm to eat, socialise or enjoy culture in London?
• How often do you leave your home between 6pm and 6am to work or socialise?

You can also:

• Read the draft Strategic Licensing Policy
• Download the Easy Read version of the draft Strategic Licensing Policy

If you wish to take part in our survey, without becoming a Talk London member, email us at [email protected] 

We’re encouraging stakeholders to respond to the consultation on London.gov.uk

City Hall will publish a summary of consultation responses and share these findings with UK Government.  

City Hall’s Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London team deliver the Mayor’s vision for culture. 

They:  

• Actively support the 24-hour economy and creative industries, helping them grow and flourish
• Promote culture and support the development of future talent to help London’s thriving creative industries
• Create, commission and foster partnerships to bring to life ambitious events and contemporary culture for all to enjoy