London Strategic Licensing Policy

The London Strategic Licensing Policy
AuthorMayor of London
LanguageEnglish
SubjectStatutory strategic licensing document of Greater London
PublisherGreater London Authority
Publication date2026
Publication placeEngland and United Kingdom
Media typeDigital (online and PDF)

The London Strategic Licensing Policy (LSLP) is the statutory premises licensing strategy for the Greater London area in the United Kingdom that is written by the Mayor of London and published by the Greater London Authority. It is updated from time to time.

History

In February 2025, as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan established a nightlife taskforce. In January 2026, it recommended the establishment of a London‑wide licensing standard to modernise licensing processes,

Mandate

Under amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 made by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, the power is a statutory power of the Greater London Authority.

The policy enables the Mayor of London to "call in" an application of potentially strategic significance, in some cases overruling a local authority. Local authorities are required to give the GLA certain information as part of this process.

Under the wider powers, local authorities are required to consult the Mayor of London, when developing their licensing policies.

The definition of "strategic" significance requires that the premises must belong to either of the two highest fee bands – under the Licensing Act 2003, there are three fee bands – or the premises has a capacity of over 5,000 people.

Policies

Cumulative impact

The draft London Strategic Licensing Policy published in February 2026, stated that cumulative impact assessments "should not create a rebuttable presumption to refuse applications".

Timeline

Date Description
February 2026 Initial draft of the London Strategic Licensing Policy.
November 2026 London Strategic Licensing Policy becomes a statutory responsibility of the Greater London Authority.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Seo, Jungmin (3 November 2026). "Mayor of London granted powers to make 'direct decisions' on licensing applications". The Caterer. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  2. ↑ Benn, Dan (29 January 2026). "Landmark report to secure the future of London's nightlife". Public Sector Executive. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  3. 1 2 Yadav, Niva (3 November 2026). "Sadiq Khan wins major licensing powers: 'New era for London nightlife' or 'land grab'?". The Standard. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  4. 1 2 "New regulations pave the way for Mayor of London intervention in strategically significant licensing applications". Institute of Licensing. 14 October 2026. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
  5. ↑ "Mayor of London handed new strategic licensing powers after Lords clash". Institute of Licensing. 29 March 2026. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  6. 1 2 Clarke, Amy (3 November 2026). "Mayor gains new powers over venue licences". BBC News. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  7. ↑ Carey, Adam (3 November 2026). "New mayoral licensing powers "too broad", London Councils warn". Local Government Lawyer. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  8. ↑ Hill, Dave (15 October 2026). "Mayor gains new powers over venue licences". On London. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  9. ↑ "New mayoral powers would let City Hall overrule Putney licensing decisions". Putney.News. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  10. ↑ "London Mayor sets out "bold new licensing plans" to boost capital's hospitality and nightlife industries". Institute of Licensing. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 2 November 2026.