London mayor to override opposition to outdoor dining in Soho next summer

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan , plans to override opposition to al fresco dining in Soho after the local council failed to apply to a scheme for seasonal pedestrianisation that is being introduced across the capital this summer. From 2027, restaurants in London’s entertainment district will be allowed to put chairs outside in the warmer months despite a longstanding local row on the issue. Khan announced on Monday that 13 London boroughs had received a share of nearly £500,000 to bring outdoor dining, events and extended opening hours to their streets throughout the summer and into autumn. However, this year, pedestrianisation has been resisted in Soho despite the area having a very popular al fresco dining scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic. Westminster council has since opposed allowing an expansion of outdoor dining in summer. Sources close to Khan said that new powers would allow him to overrule the council for the summer of 2027. When people were able to socialise outdoors during the pandemic, Soho resembled continental Europe as temporary permits and road closures allowed venues to spill out into the streets. However, the Soho Society, a residents’ group, complained about the noise caused by people drinking and dining outside, and the council wound up the scheme. Khan said his new powers from government would allow him to overrule council decisions and open up central London to outdoor dining in the summer. …