13 London boroughs have received a share of nearly £500,000 to bring al fresco dining, events and extended opening hours to the capital’s streets throughout the summer and into autumn.

The announcement comes as the Mayor’s new strategic licensing powers come into force, marking the first time a UK Mayor has had a formal role in the licensing process.

Currently each borough has a different licensing system,. The new powers allow the Mayor to make formal representations on licensing decisions, be consulted when boroughs revise their licensing policies, and call-in strategically important decisions.

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

• Barking and Dagenham - Short Blue Place, Barking, will become a street food market with performances from arts and theatre companies.
• Brent - Wembley High Road, Ealing Road and Kingsbury will welcome al fresco dining and more than 40 events.
• Greenwich - General Gordon Square, Beresford Square and Powis Street in Woolwich will host al fresco dining and events including World Cup and Wimbledon screenings, markets, performances and late opening as part of Woolwich Carnival.
• Lambeth - Lower Marsh in Waterloo will be closed to traffic every Saturday from 9am to 9pm with outdoor seating, extended business trading and events including National Theatre Live screenings.
   

Eleven smaller ‘pocket’ schemes in Brent, Camden, Ealing, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Lewisham, Newham, Sutton and Waltham Forest have received up to £10,000 each to deliver activities including food and drink night markets, Summer Sessions featuring DJs and live music performances, and family-friendly community events.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq 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. 

He continued: "City Hall has a direct say in how licensing decisions are made across the capital. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer, I’m determined to support our hospitality and nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”