The Blue Note Jazz club, an offshoot of the famous New York venue, is set to open in Covent Garden after securing a late-night license from Westminster City Council. This approval comes despite initial resistance from the council, which enforces core hours limiting late-night operations for new venues. Owners voiced concerns about the support for live music in London, especially given bureaucracy and high costs affecting nightlife. The council's After Dark strategy aims to bolster late-night venues, reflecting a shift towards enhancing the city's after-hours entertainment options.
"If they're not giving us a late licence, I can't imagine how they would be supportive of other smaller venues, which are important for the ecosystem in general," he quipped.
"This is exactly the kind of venue we want to see more of in Westminster and which is encouraged in our After Dark strategy as part of a more varied evening and night time offer across the city."
The council recently launched its first After Dark strategy amid concerns the capital's nightlife is being crushed by bureaucracy and spiraling costs.
The Blue Note Jazz club has been granted permission for a 350-seater venue in the basement of the St Martin's Lane hotel, open until 1am seven days a week.
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