Soho Society's New Licensing Mandate Targets All New Bar and Restaurant Licences

At its 30 May 2026 AGM, the Soho Society—a resident group partially funded by Westminster—adopted a licensing mandate obliging it to object to every new bar or restaurant licence, renewals, and any request to operate past 11 p.m.

The Guardian

The Society, founded in 1972 and representing 10 % of Soho residents, aims to preserve the district’s character. Key voices include Rupert Power (Sophie’s and Jack Solomons owner), Brian Hannon (Super 8), lawyer Philip Kolvin KC, and council deputy Caroline Sargent.

The Guardian

Legal fees from a 2025 gin-distillery objection reached £44,000 for the applicant and £27,000 for the Society. A Milburn report notes a 50 % drop in hospitality vacancies and high youth unemployment in the UK.

The Guardian

Business owners warn the blanket objections could curb late-night culture, reduce staff hours and limit entry-level jobs for young people. Power says a 1 a.m. limit threatens Soho’s international reputation and tourism.

The Guardian

The Society’s spokesperson says the mandate follows the Licensing Act 2003 to mitigate cumulative impact, light-pollution and congestion. Caroline Sargent affirmed Westminster aims to protect Soho’s cultural vitality while preserving residents’ quality of life.

The Guardian

Bar owners label the policy “mafia-like” and costly, noting hearings trigger expenses even without risk. Hannon calls the Society’s voting-record access “shocking” and “unreasonable.” Kolvin warns the mandate “stymies” innovation.

The Guardian

The Society claims no data on members’ ages or residency, yet opponents allege an older-resident bias. No independent audit exists to verify alleged noise, crime or economic impacts of late-night venues.

The Guardian

• “Soho is renowned internationally for its creative activity and it is a melting pot of socialising,” — Rupert Power, Soho Business Alliance chair

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• “Every time they [the society] contest a licence, no matter if it is for spurious reasons, the council looks at it,” — Bar owner, society member

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• “But they always have objected to all new licences. The more extreme they go the more silly and unreasonable they look.” — Brian Hannon, Super 8 owner

The Guardian

• “ Caroline Sargent, Westminster council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, said: “The council has always sought to strike a balance to protect Soho’s status as a thriving international centre of culture and hospitality, while also ensuring it remains a pleasant and attractive place to live for its residents.” — Caroline Sargent, Westminster deputy leader

The Guardian

Power intends to reapply in autumn for a licence extending club hours to 2–3 a.m., while the Society will continue objecting to new applications. Westminster’s licensing committee will assess each case individually.

The Guardian