Members of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee have re-elected James Tumbridge to serve a second term as its Chairman. 

The Licensing Committee carries out the City Corporation’s legal duty to administer the Licensing Act 2003, which balances the needs of licensed premises with protections for City residents, workers, other Square Mile businesses, and visitors.

It is responsible for regulating the City of London’s nearly 1,000 licensed pubs, clubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Sixteen of them benefit from 24-hour licenses, and over 300 of them serve alcohol after midnight. Over 140 offer al fresco seating, boosting the City’s vibrancy with outdoor seating.

The committee also oversees the City Corporation’s work with the City of London Police to keep the Square Mile’s thriving night-time economy safe and enjoyable.

An Intellectual Property Litigation Partner with Venner Shipley LLP, James has gained extensive experience in the fields of commercial litigation, intellectual property, and alternative dispute resolution.

Through his engagement with policy makers and by using his experience of government relations at the highest levels, James advises clients on how to prepare for legislative changes and regulation compliance.

The City Corporation’s Licensing Committee is helping to encourage even more footfall into the Square Mile through the organisation’s Destination City programme which aims to make the Square Mile a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.

Speaking after his re-election, James Tumbridge said:

“I am very grateful to my colleagues for re-electing me as chairman of this vitally important committee.

“The licensing function is integral to the City experience because, without great bars, restaurants, and hotels to provide a warm welcome, the City is not the same.

“We might be the regulator, but we are also listening carefully to how we can help and support business, in order to keep the vibrancy of the City and to ensure that the hospitality sector continues its recovery from the pandemic.

“Our aim is to be a great place in which to run a hospitality venue and, now that our Destination City programme has been launched, this is the perfect time to remind businesses that we are open for them.”

With the City Corporation’s £2.5 million annual investment, Destination City will help transform the Square Mile, reaching new and existing audiences to encourage footfall and spend.

ENDS

For media enquiries and further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation

Mobile: +44 (0) 7795 333060 / Email: andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk