Celebrating London’s vibrant night-time economy and its wealth of licensed venues, I was delighted as the Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee to pay tribute to entrepreneurs and creative people for their contribution to the capital.
During my speech at the Committee’s Dinner, hosted at the Swan part of the Globe theatre complex, I told guests that “tomorrow’s city will be driven by today’s people,” adding that London’s vibrancy dated back to Roman times.
Among the subjects covered were licensed venues’ enthusiasm to locate to the City, with the number of premises currently standing at 970, but acknowledging that the hospitality industry has faced many severe challenges, including Covid restrictions, energy prices, staffing difficulties, and high inflation.
I voiced support for the City Corporation’s flagship ‘Destination City’ programme, which sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.
Central to my speech was the message that the City Corporation’s Licensing Team stands ready to assist licensed venues in any way that it can, and that the City is open for business.
I said: “We are here to listen and provide a positive framework in order to help keep London as vibrant as it always has been. We aim to ensure that business knows how we approach licensing, and that means wanting to be prompt and transparent, so that, if you are willing to invest in the City you know what to expect.
“I hope to see ever more diversity in the offer, and to keep people wanting to visit us.”
Following a five-year absence caused by the pandemic, we also welcomed this year’s launch of the ‘Safety Thirst Awards’ scheme, which aims to encourage and promote venues’ high standards in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Guests were told of my plans to develop a ‘mapping tool’ to support potential investors and residents alike by mapping streets, spaces, or areas of the City that could be suitable for markets, events, later licensing hours, or more licensed premises.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Alan Miller, who co-created London’s Old Truman Brewery as a business cultural centre; launched the Night Time Industries Association; and co-founded and chairs The Together Association.
Guests also enjoyed pre-dinner entertainment by the Barbershop of Brentwood School in Essex, reminding everyone we licence more than alcohol.
