New regulations pave the way for Mayor of London intervention in strategically significant licensing applications

New regulations have been made establishing the framework that will allow the Mayor of London to intervene in certain alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment licensing applications deemed to be of strategic importance to the capital.

The Licensing Act 2003 (Applications of Potential Strategic Importance to Greater London etc and Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2026 set out the procedure for identifying applications with potential strategic significance and create a mechanism through which the Mayor may “call in” and determine particular licensing cases following a borough licensing authority’s decision.

The regulations give practical effect to powers introduced through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which expanded the Greater London Authority’s role within the licensing system. The wider reforms also include making the Greater London Authority a responsible authority and enabling the Mayor to issue a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy.

Under the new regime, applications meeting specified criteria can be designated as being of potential strategic importance to Greater London. Once identified, the Greater London Authority must be notified and will determine whether the application falls within the strategic framework established by the regulations. If so, the Mayor will have an opportunity to consider whether to exercise a statutory call-in power.

The regulations are intended to ensure that licensing proposals with implications beyond an individual borough can be considered in the context of wider London-wide priorities, including the capital’s night-time economy, hospitality sector, cultural offer and strategic development objectives.

For licensing authorities, applicants and operators, the changes introduce an additional layer of oversight for certain larger or potentially significant applications. Licensing authorities will be required to provide information to the Greater London Authority in prescribed circumstances, while applicants may face additional scrutiny where proposals are considered capable of having a wider strategic impact.

The regulations come into force on 3 November 2026 and mark one of the most significant changes to the governance of licensing in London since the Licensing Act 2003 was introduced. While the vast majority of applications will continue to be determined at borough level, strategically important cases may ultimately become subject to mayoral determination under the new framework.

The regulations can be viewed on the UK legislation website in the Licensing Act 2003 (Applications of Potential Strategic Importance to Greater London etc and Consequential Amendment