Today, the London Mayor has published the Draft London Strategic Licensing Policy 2026–31.
As outlined in the document, The London Strategic Licensing Policy sets out the Mayor’s vision for licensing across the city.
The policy aims to make licensing more transparent and consistent across London, and to provide new powers to the Mayor by the Licensing Act 2003 (to be amended by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill).
In short, the changes proposed to the Licensing Act 2003 are;
- To grant the Mayor the power to set a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy;
- To make it a requirement for London licensing authorities to consult the Mayor when revising their statement of licensing policy;
- To add the Greater London Authority as a responsible authority;
- To introduce a discretionary power for the Mayor to determine licence applications of strategic importance after a licensing authority has made a decision.
The full draft policy can be seen here.
Currently, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is making its way through the House of Lords, having already successfully passed through the House of Commons.
Following the publication of the Draft Policy, the London Mayor has also published a consultation on the document, to invite the comments of local businesses, residents and stakeholders in London.
The survey is open until Friday 27th March and can be responded to here.
Finally, in support of the above, the Government have today further updated the s.182 Guidance to Licensing Authorities, by adding in the below wording at paragraph 1.19;
In coming to a decision on individual licensing applications, licensing committees should have regard to relevant local plans and strategies – such as those relating to town planning, the night-time economy, or business support – provided these considerations are consistent with the licensing objectives and the authority’s published licensing policy. For example, licensing authorities in the area covered by the London Mayor should consider the London Plan 2021 which sets out a clear framework for the development of London over the next 20-25 years and the Mayor’s vision for Good Growth.
A link to the updated guidance can be found here.
