The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has unveiled a £300,000 'Summer Streets Fund' to boost outdoor dining and extend trading hours across the capital, as part of wider plans to support the hospitality sector this summer.
The announcement, which came earlier this week, follows a government decision to grant the Mayor enhanced licensing powers. It will allow borough councils to apply for a share of the funds to create or expand outdoor dining spaces, and encourage extended opening hours for restaurants, bars and cafes.
The fund is also expected to make it easier for councils to facilitate al fresco dining and nightlife, reducing the cost burden and making the process shorter and easier to navigate.
Since the pandemic, the hospitality industry has faced ongoing challenges with increased costs and reduced footfall that have made it difficult for businesses to keep their doors open. While many have criticised the size of the fund, others have welcomed the scheme as a much needed lifeline.
Sadiq Khan commented on the announcement, stating: ‘London is the greatest city in the world and as summer approaches and our city is set to welcome millions of tourists, I'm keen to put al fresco dining and later opening hours back on the menu.
‘London’s world-class range of restaurants, cafes and bars is part of what makes our city special, but too often they have found themselves restricted through bureaucracy and rules constraining their growth. This new £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will help to kickstart al fresco dining and extend opening hours this summer, allowing the industry to thrive.'
His aim with the fund is to 'give the sector the boost it needs,' attempting to revitalise the capital's hospitality sector ahead of the busy summer season, by driving growth and providing more jobs across the capital.
The news has already gained support from those in the industry, with Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, commenting that the initiation is 'a vital and timely move by the mayor that signals loud and clear: London is open for business and ready to thrive this summer.
'As the days get longer and temperatures rise, the ability for venues to trade outdoors and extend their hours isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.'
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