Latest news with #WestminsterAfterDark
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nimbys are killing London's nightlife, says owner of Ronnie Scott's
London's nightlife is under threat from a 'vocal minority' complaining about noise, the owner of Soho's world-famous jazz club Ronnie Scott's has warned. John James has said proposals for pubs and clubs in Soho to host more 'quiet nights' threatened to 'kill an international city' and would put the capital far behind rivals such as Paris, Milan and New York. Labour-led Westminster City Council is consulting on plans to push pubs and clubs in Soho to hold more quiet and alcohol-free activities after 6pm to make central London more peaceful for residents. Mr James told The Telegraph: 'Every other high street in the land would be deeply envious of what Soho has. And yet we, by the virtue of Westminster City Council becoming restrictive in the granting of planning and licences, are trying to kill off our high street.' The 72-year-old tycoon runs Soho Estates, a £1.1bn property empire originally built by Paul Raymond, the self-made millionaire and soft-porn baron dubbed the 'King of Soho' who died in 2008. Mr James, who is the son-in-law of Mr Raymond, is preparing to hand over the running of the business to his daughter Fawn next month. Mr James, who is also a board member of the Soho Business Alliance, said: 'We cannot be competitive if you listen to a resident who says they want it to be quiet after 11 o'clock at night – not only on a weekday, but weekends, any time. 'Westminster are overly listening to the minority resident view, but it seems to be the one that is listened to more keenly than others. It doesn't take into account any of the opinions of thousands of visitors.' In its Westminster After Dark consultation, the council said its policies would help 'businesses to thrive, visitors to enjoy the city's attractions, and residents to get a decent night's sleep'. Proposals include closing central venues from midnight while 'essential services like cleaning and transport take precedence'. Mr James described a proposal from Westminster to shift the late-night economy to new 'entertainment zones' in the Strand, Oxford Street and Victoria as 'mind-boggling', adding: 'Who the hell dreamed this up?' Businesses would also be hit with a so-called late-night levy, a tax on venues supplying alcohol late into the evening. That tax would be used to fund initiatives to reduce 'crime and disorder' in the area. The consultation has come under fire from business leaders in the area, who have warned that its crackdown on noise will put bars and pubs out of business. James Raynor, the chief executive of Grosvenor's property company, which owns much of nearby Mayfair, told The Telegraph: 'If you start to limit those sorts of activities, you're going to put a lot of businesses out of business. Which is going to make a lot of people unemployed, which is going to cost the country money and not generate tax revenue.' Mr Raynor, who is also the incoming chairman of the Westminster Property Association, added: 'Part of the attractiveness of living in [Soho] is being part of it. If people are there and uncomfortable, that's a shame, you don't want them to be. [But] it's a bit like living in Hounslow and then moaning about aeroplanes.' Mr James said that issues around public safety should be addressed by more investment in the police service, rather than putting more burdens on businesses. Geoff Barraclough, a Westminster councillor and cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: 'The measures we're consulting on have been designed to add to, not take away from, existing nightlife. 'We want everyone to be able to come to the city and have a great time. Lots of people want to go out for a meal and a few drinks with their friends or go to a club and we'll support that, even designating new areas for late night licences. 'We're looking at creating greater variety, including family-friendly, non-alcoholic alternatives like cinemas and bowling alleys. All of this would be on top of – not instead of – what's already on offer in the city.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
21-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Nimbys are killing London's nightlife, says owner of Ronnie Scott's
London's nightlife is under threat from a 'vocal minority' complaining about noise, the owner of Soho's world-famous jazz club Ronnie Scott's has warned. John James has said proposals for pubs and clubs in Soho to host more 'quiet nights' threatened to 'kill an international city' and would put the capital far behind rivals such as Paris, Milan and New York. Labour-led Westminster City Council is consulting on plans to push pubs and clubs in Soho to hold more quiet and alcohol-free activities after 6pm to make central London more peaceful for residents. Mr James told The Telegraph: 'Every other high street in the land would be deeply envious of what Soho has. And yet we, by the virtue of Westminster City Council becoming restrictive in the granting of planning and licences, are trying to kill off our high street.' The 72-year-old tycoon runs Soho Estates, a £1.1bn property empire originally built by Paul Raymond, the self-made millionaire and soft-porn baron dubbed the 'King of Soho' who died in 2008. Mr James, who is the son-in-law of Mr Raymond, is preparing to hand over the running of the business to his daughter Fawn next month. Mr James, who is also a board member of the Soho Business Alliance, said: 'We cannot be competitive if you listen to a resident who says they want it to be quiet after 11 o'clock at night – not only on a weekday, but weekends, any time. 'Westminster are overly listening to the minority resident view, but it seems to be the one that is listened to more keenly than others. It doesn't take into account any of the opinions of thousands of visitors.' In its Westminster After Dark consultation, the council said its policies would help 'businesses to thrive, visitors to enjoy the city's attractions, and residents to get a decent night's sleep'. Proposals include closing central venues from midnight while 'essential services like cleaning and transport take precedence'. 'Mind-boggling' proposal Mr James described a proposal from Westminster to shift the late-night economy to new 'entertainment zones' in the Strand, Oxford Street and Victoria as 'mind-boggling', adding: 'Who the hell dreamed this up?' Businesses would also be hit with a so-called late-night levy, a tax on venues supplying alcohol late into the evening. That tax would be used to fund initiatives to reduce 'crime and disorder' in the area. The consultation has come under fire from business leaders in the area, who have warned that its crackdown on noise will put bars and pubs out of business. James Raynor, the chief executive of Grosvenor's property company, which owns much of nearby Mayfair, told The Telegraph: 'If you start to limit those sorts of activities, you're going to put a lot of businesses out of business. Which is going to make a lot of people unemployed, which is going to cost the country money and not generate tax revenue.' Mr Raynor, who is also the incoming chairman of the Westminster Property Association, added: 'Part of the attractiveness of living in [Soho] is being part of it. If people are there and uncomfortable, that's a shame, you don't want them to be. [But] it's a bit like living in Hounslow and then moaning about aeroplanes.' Mr James said that issues around public safety should be addressed by more investment in the police service, rather than putting more burdens on businesses. Geoff Barraclough, a Westminster councillor and cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: 'The measures we're consulting on have been designed to add to, not take away from, existing nightlife. 'We want everyone to be able to come to the city and have a great time. Lots of people want to go out for a meal and a few drinks with their friends or go to a club and we'll support that, even designating new areas for late night licences. 'We're looking at creating greater variety, including family-friendly, non-alcoholic alternatives like cinemas and bowling alleys. All of this would be on top of – not instead of – what's already on offer in the city.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
It's one of London's most famous bar scenes - the council wants alcohol-free ‘quiet nights'
Soho pubs at the heart of London are being urged to host alcohol free 'quiet nights' under a dramatic new proposal. Labour-run Westminster council has suggested a raft of measures to overhaul the offerings of the famous nightlife hub under a new plan which also aims to increase women's safety, as well as cater for neurodiverse people through 'sensory-friendly' nights with reduced noise, dimmed lighting and calm zones. The scheme, which could change the face of the gritty neighbourhood known for its bars, restaurants and theatre offerings, is intended to make central London more peaceful between 6pm and the early hours of the morning to avoid disturbing residents. 'Westminster After Dark aims to balance the needs of a thriving evening and night-time offer with the wellbeing of the residents who call Westminster their home,' Cllr Geoff Barraclough said. 'We want the strategy to enhance the city between 6pm and 6am as a welcoming, thriving, and resilient place for everyone.' Under the 'Westminster After Dark Plan', more than 100 new CCTV cameras will be installed, along with improved street lighting. Extended retail hours and later museum openings have also been proposed to diversify London 'away from traditional nightlife options that rely on the sale of alcohol'. Newly licensed venues will be forced to assess risks to women's safety, and Transport for London will also be expected to reinstate night bus services. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said London's nightlife had the potential to be one of the best and most diverse in the world, and the council had a critical role in enabling that. 'We look forward to engaging with Westminster Council on how it can help businesses both survive and thrive, including focusing on proposals that can deliver that, like the establishment of Late-Night Entertainment Zones,' she said. "Part of this work should also be about deregulation and reducing cost, and its disappointing that part of the strategy is consulting on implementing an unfair and costly Late Night Levy, which has proven to be ineffective." The "late night levy" is a tax on businesses such as pubs and nightclubs which supply alcohol late into the evening. Cllr Aicha Less said Westminster had long been a global hub of activity and culture, drawing visitors from around the world with its unique mix of history, entertainment, and innovation. 'As the city continues to attract visitors and businesses to its vibrant evening and night-time scene, we are prioritising a safer night-time environment,' she said. 'We will help residents and visitors feel more secure with our measures tackling anti-social behaviour and improving women's safety, which will boost economic opportunities for night-time venues.'
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
It's one of London's most famous bar scenes - the council wants alcohol-free ‘quiet nights'
Soho pubs at the heart of London are being urged to host alcohol free 'quiet nights' under a dramatic new proposal. Labour-run Westminster council has suggested a raft of measures to overhaul the offerings of the famous nightlife hub under a new plan which also aims to increase women's safety, as well as cater for neurodiverse people through 'sensory-friendly' nights with reduced noise, dimmed lighting and calm zones. The scheme, which could change the face of the gritty neighbourhood known for its bars, restaurants and theatre offerings, is intended to make central London more peaceful between 6pm and the early hours of the morning to avoid disturbing residents. 'Westminster After Dark aims to balance the needs of a thriving evening and night-time offer with the wellbeing of the residents who call Westminster their home,' Cllr Geoff Barraclough said. 'We want the strategy to enhance the city between 6pm and 6am as a welcoming, thriving, and resilient place for everyone.' Under the 'Westminster After Dark Plan', more than 100 new CCTV cameras will be installed, along with improved street lighting. Extended retail hours and later museum openings have also been proposed to diversify London 'away from traditional nightlife options that rely on the sale of alcohol'. Newly licensed venues will be forced to assess risks to women's safety, and Transport for London will also be expected to reinstate night bus services. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said London's nightlife had the potential to be one of the best and most diverse in the world, and the council had a critical role in enabling that. 'We look forward to engaging with Westminster Council on how it can help businesses both survive and thrive, including focusing on proposals that can deliver that, like the establishment of Late-Night Entertainment Zones,' she said. "Part of this work should also be about deregulation and reducing cost, and its disappointing that part of the strategy is consulting on implementing an unfair and costly Late Night Levy, which has proven to be ineffective." The "late night levy" is a tax on businesses such as pubs and nightclubs which supply alcohol late into the evening. Cllr Aicha Less said Westminster had long been a global hub of activity and culture, drawing visitors from around the world with its unique mix of history, entertainment, and innovation. 'As the city continues to attract visitors and businesses to its vibrant evening and night-time scene, we are prioritising a safer night-time environment,' she said. 'We will help residents and visitors feel more secure with our measures tackling anti-social behaviour and improving women's safety, which will boost economic opportunities for night-time venues.'
Telegraph
13-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Soho pubs urged to host ‘quiet nights' to help local residents sleep
Pubs and clubs in Soho are being urged to host 'quiet nights' and offer alcohol-free activities after 6pm in an attempt by Westminster City Council to make the capital less busy. The Labour-led council is seeking to make central London more peaceful during the evening and early hours of the morning to avoid disturbing residents. The proposals, part of an initiative called 'Westminster After Dark', risk fuelling fears that London's nightlife is being crushed by bureaucracy. They follow criticism of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, for failing to support the hospitality industry despite employing radio presenter Amy Lamé as a highly paid 'night czar' for several years. Gareth Bacon, the shadow minister for London, said: 'This just goes to show how out of touch Labour is. 'After Sadiq Khan, and his overpaid, underqualified night czar Amy Lamé managed to run London's nightlife into the ground, this supposed 'plan' from a Labour council will just be another slap in the face. 'Clearly only the Conservatives understand what businesses need, and will deliver for them.' The council is also looking to hit businesses with a so-called late-night levy, a tax on businesses which supply alcohol late into the evening, such as nightclubs and pubs. The tax would be used to fund initiatives to reduce 'crime and disorder' in the surrounding areas, the consultation said. Such a levy has previously proved unsuccessful in areas such as Nottingham and Cheltenham, which have each removed theirs in recent years. A House of Lords committee also concluded in 2023 that the tax had not been successful. Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of industry group UKHospitality, criticised the proposed measure. She said: 'Part of this work should also be about deregulation and reducing cost, and it's disappointing that part of the strategy is consulting on implementing an unfair and costly late night levy, which has proven to be ineffective.' The council's plans include closing central venues from midnight while 'essential services like cleaning and transport take precedence'. Entertainment venues will also be encouraged to host 'sensory-friendly' and 'quiet nights' with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting and designated calm zones. Museums and galleries will also be urged to offer 'quiet hours' on certain evenings during the week. Events less focused around drinking also feature among key recommendations, as well as extended retail hours and later museum openings, to diversify London's offer 'away from traditional nightlife options that rely on the sale of alcohol'. The borough of Westminster is home to the West End, which is renowned for its nightlife. Westminster said its draft proposals, which are open for public consultation, contain a 'series of interventions and policies to help businesses to thrive, visitors to enjoy the city's attractions, and residents to get a decent night's sleep'. The council added: 'We will expand accessible, family-friendly, and non-alcoholic evening activities to foster a vibrant, inclusive evening and night-time environment in Westminster.' None the less, the impact will likely be felt among the numerous bars and pubs in the borough, which includes Soho, Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square. The council is also proposing to create so-called 'late-night entertainment zones' in Oxford Street, The Strand and Victoria Street for new live music, theatre and hospitality venues, operating away from areas with more residents. Geoff Barraclough, councillor and cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: 'Westminster After Dark aims to balance the needs of a thriving evening and nighttime offer with the wellbeing of the residents who call Westminster their home. 'This new strategy is our response to the obvious challenges of managing these competing demands. Following extensive engagement, 'Westminster After Dark' explores how we will remain a welcoming, innovative, inclusive, and liveable city with something on offer for everyone.' The measures also include installing 100 extra CCTV cameras to improve public safety, as well as an expanded joint council and police unit to patrol hotspots for crime and anti-social behaviour. Newly licensed venues will be required to assess risks to women's safety. The council additionally said it will lobby Transport for London to reinstate night bus services.
