Sixteen years ago, a bold vision swept through the UK: to revitalize nightlife with 24-hour licenses for bars, pubs, and clubs. The idea was simple – extend the hours, boost the economy, and create a vibrant, all-night culture. In 2010, a record 1,000 venues across the nation embraced this change, anticipating a new era of revelry.
But a startling reality has emerged. London, once poised to be a beacon of this extended nightlife, has seen its 24-hour licenses vanish at an alarming rate. What began as 91 venues across the capital has dwindled to a mere 58 today – a dramatic decline despite ongoing efforts to restore London’s reputation as a nightlife hotspot.
A meticulous investigation by Metro, contacting every London borough council, revealed a consistent response: “We don’t have any.” Westminster, at the heart of the city, only listed five venues – all casinos, offering a different kind of late-night experience than a casual cocktail and conversation. The picture across the boroughs was often misleading, with lists dominated by hotels, off-licenses, and even petrol stations.
Lambeth Council offered a glimmer of hope, reporting over 30 pubs and bars with 24-hour licenses, and the recent approval for Brixton Storeys signaled a potential shift. Islington stands out as a relative stronghold, boasting 10 venues, including the legendary Fabric nightclub and the retro gaming bar NQ64.
However, possessing a 24-hour license doesn’t guarantee round-the-clock operation. The financial burden is immense. A controversial “late night levy,” introduced in 2011, adds significant costs for businesses serving alcohol past midnight, contributing to policing expenses. Licensing solicitor Alun Thomas explains that the combination of this levy, VAT, and staffing costs makes extended hours unsustainable for many.
The struggle is real for businesses wanting to simply extend their hours. Mark Fuller, a Soho veteran since the 1980s, laments the shift from licenses extending to 3am to a current struggle to reach even midnight. He fears the independent spirit of Soho is at risk, replaced by predictable chain stores. Victor Garvey, a Michelin-star chef, simply gave up trying to extend his restaurant’s hours by even one, deeming the process futile.
Those few venues still holding onto these coveted licenses are now urged to protect them fiercely. Michael Kill, from the Night Time Industries Association, calls them “gold dust,” emphasizing the near impossibility of obtaining one today. The closures during Covid-19 lockdowns further exacerbated the problem, and the rate of new licenses being granted has slowed dramatically.
New powers are on the horizon for the Mayor of London, allowing for a more strategic approach to licensing and the ability to intervene in key applications. But Kill cautions that infrastructure remains a critical issue. Expensive taxis limit late-night mobility, and a truly 24-hour city requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders.
The future of London’s nightlife hangs in the balance. While the ambition to rival cities like New York and Berlin remains, the reality is a complex web of financial pressures, restrictive regulations, and infrastructural challenges. The few remaining guardians of 24-hour licenses are now tasked with preserving a fading legacy, a reminder of a once-bold vision for a city that never sleeps.
