As Christmas approaches, the Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Licensing Committee will sound an upbeat note about the positive impact of the licensing trade on society and the rude health of the Square Mile.

Speaking at the Committee’s annual Dinner held at the Honourable Artillery Company this evening, James Tumbridge will remind guests that the City’s success is not due solely to its status as a global financial centre, but also because of its attractiveness to workers, residents, and visitors.

The renewal of the City Corporation’s al fresco dining policy and the launch of an interactive map to help organisations and people decide where to invest in, live, and visit were two highlights of a productive 2024, he will say.  

It was also the year in which the ‘Safety Thirst’ accreditation scheme was relaunched, which saw a record 75 City venues accredited, all of them keen to demonstrate the importance that they place on the safety of customers and staff.

Commenting on the post-pandemic Square Mile, City Corporation’s Licensing Chairman, James Tumbridge, will say:

“We are working to deliver economic growth through our Destination City programme and improving ways of helping visitors find the hidden gems around the Square Mile and by working closely and effectively with the City of London Police, we are striving to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable place.

“Footfall into the City of London is increasing, with around 678,000 workers, many of them young and drawn from diverse backgrounds, over 8,600 residents, and millions of visitors, taking advantage of our great social offering.”

Turning from the City’s success to a unique initiative dedicated to protecting wildlife, James Tumbridge will pay tribute to Crafted Conservation, which directs profits from the sale of its beer and cider into supporting wildlife conservation efforts, with a focus on endangered species and their habitats.

“Crafted Conservation, which produces beer where profits go towards supporting animal conservation projects is an example of the force for good that the brewing and licensing trades can be,” he will tell guests.

The Square Mile is home to almost 1,000 licensed premises, with 16 of them benefitting from 24-hour licenses, and over 300 serving alcohol after midnight. Over 140 pubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants offer al fresco seating, boosting the City’s vibrancy with outdoor seating.

The City Corporation has a statutory 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.

Destination City is the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business and leisure location, and is delivering a seven-day-a-week Square Mile that is a global magnet for businesses and residents, visitors, and workers.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information and interviews with James Tumbridge, please contact Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / 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