Khan vows to overrule residents’ group’s objections to Soho bars and restaurants

Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, has suggested he will overrule a residents’ society which has vowed to challenge all new applications for pubs and bars in Soho.

The Guardian revealed last week that the Soho Society, a residents’ group established in 1972 and aimed at “preserving the character of Soho”, voted for a new licensing mandate, meaning it will challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including renewals of existing licences.

It will also object to any venue that wishes to open beyond “core hours”, which Westminster council decrees end at 11pm. Many have complained that it is very difficult to get a drink or a meal in central London after 11pm, due to the “core hours” policy.

Khan said this is “bad for London” and said new powers granted to him by government, coming into force later this year, will allow him to “extend London’s late-night offer”.

These powers will allow him to overturn decisions made by local councils to block pubs and bars from opening.

The mayor will be able to “call in” licensing applications in areas deemed to be of strategic importance to the night-time economy.

The move could mean bars opening later and more alfresco dining. During the pandemic, Soho was pedestrianised and restaurants were allowed to serve people outdoors. However, after vehement campaigning from the Soho Society and other residents, this scheme was wound down and there is very little alfresco dining in the area in summer.

He said: “The Soho Society’s decision to oppose all new and extended licence applications is the wrong one – it’s bad for London.

“Once in force, new licensing powers I’ve been granted by government, coupled with our bold new proposals to support London’s hospitality and nightlife, will help us protect venues, extend London’s late-night offer and allow the capital’s nightlife to flourish.”

Restaurant and bar owners said the Soho Society’s plans could “destroy Soho’s reputation on the international stage” as London’s entertainment district.

Reports have found that London nightlife has struggled in recent years, with footfall going down and venues closing.

The society claims the area in central London has seen an intensification of nightlife and unacceptable noise, as well as crime and litter caused by a proliferation of late-night revellers.

A spokesperson for the Soho Society said: “The society is a volunteer-run amenity society that comments on planning and licensing decisions locally, like in any other town across the country. It ensures that those comments are based on a broad reflection of views held by people in the community, by having monthly meetings at which applications are reviewed for compliance with council policy.