SOHO — The Soho Society voted at its annual general meeting to adopt a new licensing mandate that will challenge all new and renewal applications for bars and restaurants in the central London district. The group will also object to any venue seeking to operate beyond 'core hours,' which Westminster council defines as ending at 11pm.

The Soho Society, established in 1972 to preserve the area’s character and part-funded by Westminster city council, cited an 'intensification of nightlife and unacceptable noise, as well as crime and litter caused by a proliferation of late-night revellers' as justification for the policy. The society holds a formal consultative role in all planning and licensing applications in Soho.

Rupert Power, owner of the steak restaurant Sophie’s and the underground jazz bar Jack Solomons, criticized the move, saying, 'Soho is renowned internationally for its creative activity and it is a melting pot of socialising.' Power, who also chairs the Soho business alliance of 150 small companies, added, 'It would be a shame if Soho’s international reputation was trashed by a few residents.' He said the Soho Society’s actions are 'strangling small businesses,' reducing operating hours and limiting job opportunities for young people. He also expressed concern that a group representing an estimated 10% of residents—and which he believes skews older—receives council funding while opposing economic activity. 'They need to find their young spirit,' he said. 'On an international stage it’s a bit sad we have to shut at 1am. It could destroy the West End’s reputation.'

Philip Kolvin KC, a planning lawyer, called the mandate overly broad, saying it would cover 'pretty much the whole gamut of licence applications, so that rather than promoting innovation and diversity, it stymies it.' He added, 'Even where the authorities such as police, licensing and environmental health can envisage no harm.' Kolvin said, 'It would represent great progress if residents’ associations could make themselves part of the solution, rather than setting their face against change and development,' and noted a better approach could 'promote Soho as a world-leading centre of culture, arts and entertainment, as well as a great place to live.'

A spokesperson for the Soho Society defended the policy, stating it 'reflects our concerns about cumulative impact' under the Licensing Act 2003 and Westminster council’s guidance. The spokesperson also said the society has never initiated a license review and emphasized that final decisions rest with the council.