Assembly condemns ‘anti-growth’ plans for pubs in the West End

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

The London Assembly has today agreed a motion condemning the plans to 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 motion calls on the Mayor to 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.

The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to call for an ambitious support package for pubs in the upcoming Budget.

James Small-Edwards AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“Soho and the West End are at the centre of London’s night-time economy, and pubs, bars and other venues should not face unnecessary restrictions that make it harder for them to survive and grow.

“With new strategic licensing powers coming to the Mayor, we need to make sure the capital’s licensing system supports our hospitality sector and protects what makes areas like Soho such an iconic part of London.”

The full text of the motion is:

“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.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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