£500k fund backs London summer street events

Almost £500,000 is being shared across 15 streets in London to support al fresco dining and events in the capital this summer.

The Mayor of London relaunched the Summer Streets projects with the aim of supporting councils and hospitality businesses during the warmer months.

Four large al fresco projects in Barking & Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich and Lambeth have each received grants of up to £100,000 with the intent to transform areas with outdoor dining, World Cup screenings, markets and cultural activities.

The move comes as Sadiq Khan gains new licensing powers "making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what's on offer", which he hopes will "support our hospitality and nightlife".

Currently, each borough operates its own licensing system but under the new powers, the Mayor will be able to introduce a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy.

This means he will be able to make formal representations on licensing decisions, be consulted on revisions to borough policies, and call in strategically important cases.

Councils that refuse later opening hours for pubs and clubs could have their decisions overturned by the Mayor of London.

A further 11 smaller "pocket" schemes in Brent, Camden, Ealing, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Lewisham, Newham, Sutton and Waltham Forest have been awarded up to £10,000 each.

The grant will fund projects like food and drink night markets, DJ and live music sessions, and family-friendly community events.

Khan has also announced a "weekend hopper" for the peak of summer, allowing people travelling by tram and bus between 25 July and 31 August to pay a single fare for unlimited journeys on the same day.

Khan said: "I'm delighted that we're working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital.

"From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city."

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