Westminster Council have now finalised and issued their 2026 licensing policy with lots of promises.

Westminster is home to over 4,000 licensed premises, the largest concentration in the country, leading to the UK’s most vibrant evening and night-time economy. From world-renowned cultural institutions and entertainment venues to innovative hospitality businesses and local neighbourhood pubs and bars, Westminster offers an unrivalled mix of experiences that attract millions of visitors each year and support a thriving economy.

Our pubs, bars, restaurants and other licensed premises are a vital part of what makes Westminster special. They provide 80,000 jobs, attract investment, support tourism, foster culture and bring people together. The hospitality, leisure and entertainment sectors make a significant contribution to both the local and national economy, helping to maintain Westminster’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations to live, work and visit.

Since the adoption of our previous policy in 2021, the hospitality sector has faced extraordinary change. New technologies, changing consumer expectations, different patterns of work and leisure, and emerging business models are creating exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. This is however, set against a backdrop of difficult trading conditions, including pressures from inflation, rising labour costs and energy prices.

This updated policy recognises those changes and seeks to support enterprise and investment whilst promoting safe, well-managed and inclusive environments. We also recognise the importance of keeping approach to safety up to date, including violence against women and girls and recent legislative requirements such as Martyn’s Law, in a way that is proportionate and effective.

Our ambition is clear: we want Westminster to remain the best place in the country to establish, grow and develop successful hospitality, leisure and entertainment businesses. We believe that effective licensing can play a positive role in achieving this ambition. Licensing is not simply about regulation; it is also about creating the conditions in which responsible businesses can flourish, innovate and respond to changing customer demand, while ensuring that residents, workers and visitors continue to enjoy safe and welcoming environments.

This Statement of Licensing Policy seeks to support a diverse, dynamic and well-managed economy that delivers prosperity, opportunity and social value across the city. We want businesses to have the confidence to invest in Westminster, knowing that we are committed to working with them and providing a licensing framework that is responsive, transparent and fit for the future. At the same time, we remain committed to protecting the unique character of Westminster’s neighbourhoods and ensuring that growth is sustainable and balanced.

This review marks the beginning of a broader conversation about the future of licensing in Westminster. We want to explore how our policies can better support responsible growth, encourage innovation and provide businesses with greater flexibility to adapt as markets and customer expectations change. We are keen to work with businesses, residents and other stakeholders over the coming year to identify opportunities for improvement and will work with experts in the field to bring in creative ideas in support of our goals. The speed of change and pressures on the industry mean that this policy, historically reviewed every five years, needs to now be tested annually to see if it is suitable or needs amending. We will continue to develop our understanding of local conditions and Cumulative Impact, ensuring that future policy decisions are informed by evidence and responsive to the distinct characteristics of different parts of the city on an increasingly granular basis.