Tory Mayoral contender Daniel Korski has pledged to “stand up for London’s nightlife and night-time economy” including reviewing the late-night levy and extending night-time opening hours, after years of neglect and decline under Sadiq Khan.
The tech entrepreneur and former government advisor pledged to launch a comprehensive review of London’s nightlife when he comes into office, and teased his new podcast with the owners of Printworks, who reveal for the first time they will announce new locations within “weeks”.
Korski has singled out the “late-night levy” as an extra tax on the night-time economy that he would seek to cut. He also pledged to challenge councils who close venues due to potential unfair noise complaints or make unexplained or arbitrary planning decisions, such as banning hot food from some late-night venues in Westminster.
The policy proposals to be examined in the review include:
· Review the “late-night levy” venue tax (which 77% of businesses want to get rid of).
· Challenging restrictive and harmful licensing decisions, working with venue owners to get approval.
· Streamlining and standardising the licensing process, with a new temporary-use license for nightclubs.
· Introducing ‘Late Night Zones’ with London boroughs, with boroughs designating later opening hours for premises in busy urban hubs.
· Improving late-night transport options, with a review of the roll-out of night tube across all lines, and more late-night buses.
· Improving night-time safety, especially for women and minority groups, with a new assessment process linked to licensing.
Daniel Korski said: “London’s legendary nightlife is part of what defines our city. But, tragically,
this cultural and economic engine for London has been run down by a Labour Mayor and his
so-called night ‘Czar’.
“Clubs are closing at an alarming rate—41% have shut their doors since 2016. This impacts other hospitality businesses, harms communities, and drives tourists away. Just this year, Oval Space, The Cause, and Space 289 have shut. The English National Opera is already planning its move out of London, and The Brixton Academy could quite possibly be next.
“Following a pandemic and at a time of high energy prices and shifting consumer behaviour, night-time venues need extra support and fewer unfair and outdated regulations. And that is what I will fight for, working closely with venues, artists, and workers to create a thriving and safe nightlife for London.
“From UK Garage to The Rolling Stones and punk at the Roxey, to the renowned theatres around the West End, the sound of London is known all over the world. It’s a key part of The London Dream and I will stand up for the needs of this vital industry.
