Mayor grants new licensing powers as Blue Note details difficult London opening

The Mayor of London officially received new powers to decide on major venue licensing on Tuesday at the Blue Note Jazz Club on St Martin’s Lane in Covent Garden. The ceremony took place at the club, which opened in September after a contentious review process involving public complaints and police objections.

Sadiq Khan described the owners’ experience as shocking and a case study in how things should not be done. He stated that the venue is one of the best in Europe and possibly the world. Khan noted that the owners invested millions of pounds in the location before facing difficulties that made operations challenging.

Nick Lewis, the director of music at Blue Note, said opening the London club proved to be their hardest task. The group owns ten successful venues worldwide, including locations in Milan, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Their founding venue in New York is considered one of the most famous jazz clubs in the world, yet the London launch required a long appeal process.

Lewis explained that authorities initially proposed an 11 p.m. closing time. He said that early closing conflicts with the nature of jazz, which relies on late performances. The team eventually secured a 1 a.m. closing time through appeals. Lewis stated that this schedule allows them to run two shows a night and balance the books, though he said a 3 a.m. closing time would be ideal.

In February 2025, reports detailed specific objections from residents and the Metropolitan Police. One resident argued that jazz lovers might be disoriented by leaving the venue into the cold night. Another claimed the venue could attract phone thieves. The police opposed the opening, stating that a 1 a.m. closing time was too late and could expose more people to crime and disorder.

Lewis said reading those complaints was difficult for the team. He recalled a moment when the staff felt they were not wanted in the city. Steven Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainment Group, said the group is grateful to the Mayor’s office and Westminster for working with them to make the opening happen. He noted that London has given the club a remarkable welcome since September.

Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State, spoke at a roundtable discussion at the club. She said it can feel like London is closed to nightlife. She explained that nightlife supports musicians, bar staff, and small businesses that depend on the industry. She said the new powers are about backing venues and events that keep the city active.