Consultation Draft Statement of Licensing Policy Review 2026

Westminster is home to the country’s largest concentration of licensed premises - and with that the UK’s largest evening and night-time economy. The borough’s internationally recognised hospitality, cultural and entertainment offer includes iconic destinations such as the London Palladium, the Royal Opera House and the Comedy Store to name just a few.

Since the implementation of the 2021 policy, various national and London-wide initiatives have impacted the licensing sector. This updated policy reflects these changes and emphasises key priorities such as reducing violence against women and girls, and responding to new regulations like Martyn’s Law. We also recognise shifts in working patterns, consumer behaviour and business models, and the need to ensure our policy supports innovation across Westminster.

In the face of all the challenges facing hospitality businesses, licensed premises in Westminster continue to contribute up to £3.7 billion in Gross Value Added and support around 80,000 jobs, playing a significant role in the growth of the local and national economy. There are any number of places that are central and well-connected, but we have seen that the diversity and unique aspects of districts like Soho, Covent Garden, and Mayfair continue to draw millions of visitors annually and underpin London’s global reputation as a cultural capital. These are historically significant areas, with an important heritage and crucially an inextricably tied mix of residential and commercial uses that make them what they are and underpin their commercial success. 

Our aim with this Statement of Licensing Policy is to promote a well-managed and varied day, evening and night-time, that delivers economic growth and social value - while also operating safely and responsibly and protecting the essence of our city. Effective licensing plays an important role in achieving these goals, as it helps to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved. Through regulation informed by activities such as this consultation, we can support businesses and communities, ensuring that the night-time economy continues to thrive responsibly and sustainably.

With a revised Policy required by the end of September 2026, this review has been a relatively light-touch refresh, but we have longer-term ambitions. We want to enable businesses to thrive, with the flexibility to adapt their operations as demand changes as the day and week progresses, meeting customer needs and making the most of economic opportunities as they arise. However, we recognise that some long-standing policy restrictions may limit this flexibility and may need to be reconsidered. This will require a collaborative approach, with input from businesses, residents and all those involved in and affected by the licensed trade, but it cannot wait another five years. 

We therefore intend to take a more adaptive approach to policy development that is responsive to the market, which may involve more frequent policy reviews. Within the next 12 months, we will set out our proposed direction to ensure that the licensing framework in Westminster better accommodates evolving business models whilst ensuring our residents are protected. Over time, we will also work to develop a more granular understanding of cumulative impact, including street-level analysis, to better inform decision-making and reflect local conditions.

For now, though, and in recognition of the value our businesses and resident communities bring in shaping our direction, we welcome the chance to hear their views in a formal setting alongside our continuous engagement and look forward to seeing what everyone has to say. By encouraging feedback and active participation, we aim to create a more inclusive and responsive environment and ultimately deliver the best possible outcomes. We appreciate all the contributions throughout the pre-engagement and consultation process, from everyone who takes the time to try and inform our approach and continue to deliver the best possible licensing environment in Westminster.