Westminster City Council’s After Dark strategy sets out a welcome ambition to strengthen the borough’s night-time economy. But ambition alone won’t save it.

As landlords to many of Soho’s best-loved venues, Soho Estates has responded to the consultation with a clear message: the odds are stacked against those keeping Soho alive after dark - better safety, flexible licensing and real support are long overdue.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Behind the lights, night-time businesses are on a knife-edge. Rising costs, rigid licensing, and increased crime mean that many businesses are barely surviving. If more venues close, we lose Soho’s soul. It will not just hollow out Soho’s cultural identity and viability but also damage Westminster’s wider economy and its global appeal as a place to live, work, and visit. We urge Westminster City Council to prioritise established hubs like Soho – tackle crime, resist pushing more burdens onto businesses, and make licensing more flexible.

Soho Estates shares Westminster City Council’s ambition to strengthen the evening and night-time economy (ENTE), but delivery must be done in close partnership with those who shape the evening and night-time experience: businesses, landlords, workers, and cultural organisations, and avoid placing further financial or operating pressures on those already under strain.

• Economy: New late night entertainment zones (LNEZ) must not displace established hubs like Soho. Planning and licensing must encourage growth, not restrict it.
• Safety: Crime against late-night visitors is rising. The Council must increase visible policing and address this urgent issue. Safety is foundational to ENTE growth.
• Accessibility: Public realm improvements must be easier to deliver. A flexible, more business-friendly approach to alfresco eating and drinking is essential. Late-night transport must be expanded.
• Communities and Culture: The Council should actively support LGBTQ+ venues and other community and cultural spaces with sustainable funding and sensible licensing.
• Sustainability: We support greener public spaces, but businesses should not have to bear the brunt of the extra costs.

Westminster can achieve its vision, so long as it protects Soho’s distinctiveness and works in genuine partnership with those shaping the night-time economy.

The consultation closes on 22nd June 2025. Read our full response on the link below.