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Westminster's Restrictive Licences Threaten £46B Nightlife, Mayor Says

8/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Westminster City Council issued a draft licensing policy for Soho and the West End that orders venues to discourage excessive drunkenness and refuse new licences in the Cumulative Impact Zone.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the plan restrictive and urged the use of mayoral powers to intervene.
Business leaders Sacha Lord and Michael Kill warned the rules could lower capacity, raise costs and threaten the £46 billion nightlife sector.

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Story summary

Westminster City Council issued a draft licensing policy for Soho and the West End that orders venues to discourage excessive drunkenness and refuse new licences in the Cumulative Impact Zone.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the plan restrictive and urged the use of mayoral powers to intervene.
Business leaders Sacha Lord and Michael Kill warned the rules could lower capacity, raise costs and threaten the £46 billion nightlife sector.