Camden’s licensing chair backs new ‘call-in’ powers for London mayor

The chair of Camden’s licensing committee has endorsed plans that could allow Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to overturn councils’ decisions to block pubs and clubs from opening later.

Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a pilot scheme to boost the hospitality industry by giving the mayor’s office the power to “call in” licensing rulings affecting the capital’s nightlife.

The decision could mean more al fresco dining on London’s streets and later opening hours for the city’s evening hotspots.

Cllr Jonathan Simpson MBE said on X (formerly Twitter) that he “welcomed the move”.

“[London’s mayor] has had the power to review planning decisions made by boroughs for some time,” he added.

Mayor Khan said he was “delighted” by the plans.

He added that, if granted, the powers would help “boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country”.

The Chancellor said the pilot would mean restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs would not be “tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape”.

The announcement comes as Camden prepares changes to its own licensing policy, including the extension of night-time “framework hours”.

This refers to the period in which local authorities do not have to put safeguards in place to prevent crime, disorder and public nuisance.

In a bid to both “support local nightlife and ensure the safety of residents and visitors”, the Town Hall has brought forward plans to give bars, pubs, restaurants and fast-food outlets an extra 30 minutes before they are subjected to these extra rules and restrictions.

Under the proposals, the new terminal hour for sales would be midnight from Monday to Thursday, 12.30am on Friday and Saturday, and 11pm on Sunday — while closing time would then be pushed back by 30 minutes.

The plans have seen backlash from residents and local groups, some of whom have accused the council of prioritising commercial interests.

Camden Town’s Tenants and Resident’s Association (TRACT) have argued that the proposals “firmly shift the balance in favour of businesses” and would lead to more litter, crime and disorderly behaviour.

Public consultation on the updated policy ended on 14 March, and the licensing committee is expected to make a decision later this month.