London Mayor presses for licensing powers to safeguard LGBTQ+ nightlife

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has renewed his demand for greater licensing powers at City Hall, arguing that local council decisions are placing LGBTQ+ nightlife venues at risk.

Speaking to Gaydio during Pride in London, Khan said he is lobbying central government to transfer licensing authority to the mayor’s office. He claimed that council approaches to issues such as late opening hours and outdoor seating are contributing to venue closures.

“We’ve got these councils who allow objections about staying open late or alfresco dining, and the council becomes risk-averse,” Khan said. “I think that’ll make a big difference, taking over licensing. We’re also trying to persuade councils to recognise the importance of these venues.”

His comments come amid continuing concern over the decline of LGBTQ+ spaces in the capital and the pressures on the night-time economy. More than 35,000 people took part in this year’s Pride in London march, which provided the backdrop for Khan’s intervention in the licensing debate.

During the interview with presenter Luis Wyatt, Khan also backed former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s campaign to become the next Prime Minister. Khan highlighted Burnham’s impact on LGBTQ+ communities in Manchester, saying: “I’ve known Andy for over 20 years. It’s really important to see the difference in Manchester under Andy’s leadership for the LGBTQI+ community.”

He described Burnham as “the best possible ally this community can have” and said he believes Burnham would “do a great job representing all communities who feel like they’re marginalised.”

As debates over political leadership and licensing reform continue, LGBTQ+ professionals and allies looking to support inclusive workplaces and community visibility can connect and organise through platforms such as myGwork by signing up and engaging with its global LGBTQ+ business network.