New West End Company holds a unique position as a body with deep operational insight, which also acts as a strategic voice for one of London’s most complex and high-footfall environments. It is from this position that we submit this response to the Mayor’s London Strategic Licensing Consultation.
Our response sets out four priorities:
Support for economic growth and a vibrant 24-hour economy: London’s licensing framework must reflect the full diversity of the West End’s offer, from late-night dining and experiential retail to cultural venues and mixed-use spaces.
Clarity on Mayoral call-in powers: We are asking for clear, published criteria on what constitutes ‘strategic importance’, to avoid adding unnecessary complexity to an already intricate system.
Transport must keep pace: Any expansion of night-time licensing needs to be matched by investment in late-night transport. 48% of West End visitors arrive by Tube— the infrastructure must be there to support them.
Crime and Safety: Similarly, expanding the night-time economy will require stronger police resources to keep the public safe round the clock, which we are well placed to support.
Read our full response here.
