London’s bars and restaurants could soon be making the most of summer trade as Sadiq Khan announces a £300,000 Summer Streets Fund to support al fresco dining and extended opening hours.
The move comes after the Government confirmed it will give the mayor new licensing powers, allowing him to step in when licensing applications are blocked in nightlife hotspots.
Councils will be able to apply for a share of the funding to help create new outdoor spaces and cut the cost and red tape for businesses looking to extend their hours or footprint.
City Hall has already urged boroughs to back al fresco dining and later openings, but it’s hoped this funding will make it easier for cash-strapped councils to put plans into action.
In an article from The Standard, Sadiq said: “London’s restaurants, cafes and bars are a huge part of what makes our city special, but too often they’re held back by bureaucracy and unnecessary rules. This new fund will help cut red tape, boost the hospitality industry, and ensure London’s nightlife thrives this summer.”
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, welcomed the announcement, calling it “a vital and timely move by the mayor that sends a clear message: London is open for business and ready to thrive this summer.
“As the days get longer and temperatures rise, the ability for venues to trade outdoors and extend their hours isn’t a luxury, it’s essential."
“This funding offers a real opportunity to cut through bureaucracy, boost footfall, and give hospitality and nightlife the platform they need to flourish.”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the scheme was a positive first step to improve London’s licensing regime, she added: “We look forward to working with the mayor and London’s councils to remove barriers that prevent pubs from doing what they do best – serving up great pints and a warm welcome to Londoners and visitors alike.”
In an interview with The Guardian, Tom Kerridge also recently weighed in on the challenges facing hospitality, he said: “We have six sites and I would say three operate at a very minor profit, two just about break even, and one’s losing a lot of money. It’s a constant battle of spinning plates and moving money to keep it bubbling along.”
“There’s no cavalry coming over the hill to save us. And to be honest, I’ve never known fear like it. But hospitality is very fluid. You can adapt, you can change. If I wanted to put something on the menu tonight, I could do it. You can use social media and can create a buzz. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 20 years, it’s that eventually things will change.”
Written by Abi Kinsella
