Plans to help London’s bars and restaurants offer al fresco dining have been boosted after Sir Sadiq Khan announced a £300,000 fund to support venues and extend their opening hours. 

The Summer Streets Fund, aimed at growing the capital’s hospitality economy, comes after the government announced it will give the mayor new licensing powers, allowing him to “call in” blocked licensing applications in nightlife hotspots. 

The Standard reports that councils will be able to apply for a share of the money, to be put towards the creation of new outdoor eating and drinking areas, enabling businesses to extend their space or opening hours, and also reducing the cost burden to venues by making processes shorter and more accessible or by reducing or waiving fees. 

Borough authorities were last month urged by two of Sir Sadiq’s deputy mayors to support al fresco dining and late-night openings in their areas, but City Hall hopes this new funding will make doing so easier for cash-strapped councils. 

Sir Sadiq said: “London is the greatest city in the world and as summer approaches and our city is set to welcome millions of tourists, I’m keen to put al fresco dining and later opening hours back on the menu.

London’s world-class range of restaurants, cafes and bars is part of what makes our city special, but too often they have found themselves restricted through bureaucracy and rules constraining their growth.”

He added: This new £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will help to kick-start al fresco dining and extend opening hours this summer, allowing the industry to thrive. I’m looking forward to working closely with councils and our fantastic hospitality sector to cut red tape and give the sector the boost it needs, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of the city. 

Hospitality is one of London’s biggest employers so a thriving sector will drive growth and deliver more jobs across the city, helping us to continue building a better London for everyone.” 

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the scheme was “a positive first step to improve London’s licensing regime”.