IoL London Chair to serve on the Mayor of London’s Advisory Panel 

Gareth Hughes, Fellow of the IOL and chairman of the London region as well member of the national advisory council of IOL has been appointed to serve on the advisory panel of the Mayor of London’s Task Force on the Night Time Economy.

The Taskforce. to be chaired by Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director of fabric, brings together a range of experts from the frontline of the capital’s nightlife to examine and address the issues facing the industries, and provide recommendations on how to ensure the night-time economy can thrive.

Gareth said:

“I am honoured to be asked to advise the experienced and knowledgeable members of the Task Force – some of the leading lights in the hospitality sector and all under the leadership of Cameron Leslie of Fabric along with national Chair of the IoL  and UK Hospitality Kate Nicholls OBE and Mike Kill, Chair of the NTIA.  7

“The team is full of ideas on how to make life easier in London for our hard pressed sector which is facing challenges on all fronts both economically and regulatory. We will be examining ways of, amongst other things,  improving the bureaucratic process under the Licensing Act 2003 and the planning provisions. I look forward to working with the Task Force in the months ahead.”

The Taskforce will provide a series of recommendations to the Mayor that will then help to build on City Hall’s ongoing work to support nightlife. This includes protecting hundreds of venues from closure through the Culture and Community Spaces at Risk office, working with boroughs to develop London’s first ever local Night Time Strategies, introducing the Night Tube and Overground, creating the most night-friendly London Plan to date, cutting red tape with our Business Friendly Licensing Fund, and launching the Women’s Night Safety Charter.