Published
Fri, Dec 16, 2016, 18:30
- London mayor Sadiq Khan also extended the commission beyond its original six-month investigation period.
Top licensing lawyer Philip Kolvin QC has been appointed Chairman of the Night Time Commission by London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Former mayor Boris Johnson launched the commission in the first half of 2016 as a six-month investigation into ways of protecting and managing the city's lucrative nightlife economy. The aim was to address the alarming rate at which London music venues and nightclubs have been closing (50% of clubs and 40% of live music venues have closed since 2008, says the Association of Multiple Licensed Retailers).
Now, Khan has picked Philip Kolvin QC, the lawyer who represented fabric in their successful battle to reopen, to preside over a revamped Night Time Commission. He'll work alongside Night Czar Amy Lamé, who was appointed last month, to bring together stakeholders from across the nighttime economy, including local authorities, the Metropolitan Police, club and venue owners, and residents. The original six-month scope of the commission has also been extended beyond its October 2016 end date.
"With the loss of so many clubs and venues from around the capital, we cannot afford to be complacent," wrote Khan. "That's why I'm delighted to appoint Philip Kolvin QC as Chair of a revamped Night Time Commission. Working alongside my newly-appointed Night Czar Amy Lamé, Philip's expert knowledge in the field of licensing, regulation and policy will be crucial in ensuring that our live music venues and nightclubs are protected."
For more on the struggles facing London nightlife, check out Aaron Coultate's roundtable feature from March 2016.