Westminster licensing consultation could be ‘unlawful’
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has criticised the Westminster City Council over its consultation on the proposed Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).
The trade body has argued that the consultation may not meet legal standards and could need to be re-run.
The consultation is part of the After Dark strategy, designed to improve London’s nightlife through safety measures, improved transport, and dedicated zones for late-night businesses.
The NTIA claims concerns have been raised that the consultation has not been conducted in a fair, transparent, or accessible manner.
It alleges that many in the licensed and business community were unaware that the consultation was taking place, and that consultation materials were difficult to locate and timelines lacked clarity.
The NTIA has asked the council to pause the current process and re-run or extend the consultation.
Another criticism is that the current assessment relies on broad indicators of ‘disturbance’ without establishing a direct causal relationship with licensed premises.
Other criticisms are that the analysis lacks sufficient detail, failing to distinguish between different types of venues, operating hours, or wider contributing factors such as policing, transport and tourism.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, said: “This consultation raises serious concerns, not just about the conclusions being drawn, but about the process itself. Many businesses simply weren’t aware it was taking place, and that undermines confidence in the outcome from the outset.
“If the consultation hasn’t properly reached the people it directly affects, it raises real questions about whether it meets the standard of a lawful process.
“More importantly, the evidence being used does not demonstrate a clear causal link between licensed premises and the issues being highlighted. Westminster is one of the most complex urban environments in the world; to attribute broad social challenges to the night-time economy without fully considering policing, transport, tourism and other external factors is both simplistic and potentially damaging.
“Well-run venues are not the problem; they are part of the solution. Policies based on incomplete or misinterpreted data risk penalising responsible operators while failing to address the real causes of concern.
“We are urging the council to pause, re-engage properly with stakeholders, and ensure any future decisions are based on robust, transparent, and proportionate evidence. The future of Westminster’s night-time economy depends on getting this right.”
The Spirits Business has contacted Westminster City Council for a statement.
Related news
London tube strikes could slash on-trade bookings by 67%
