Summer Street Fund - London

London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan has announced a £300,000 fund to boost alfresco dining across the capital

The Summer Streets Fund allows councils to apply for a share of the money towards the creation of new outdoor eating and drinking areas, enabling businesses to extend their space or opening hours.

It will also reduce the cost burden to venues by making processes shorter and more accessible or by reducing or waiving fees, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Last month, borough authorities were urged to support alfresco dining and late-night openings, which it is hoped that local councils will now also support.

Sir Sadiq said:

"London is the greatest city in the world and as summer approaches and our city is set to welcome millions of tourists, I'm keen to put alfresco dining and later opening hours back on the menu."

"London's world-class range of restaurants, cafes and bars is part of what makes our city special, but too often they have found themselves restricted through bureaucracy and rules constraining their growth."

"This new £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will help to kickstart alfresco dining and extend opening hours this summer, allowing the industry to thrive."

The announcement was welcomed by Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, who called it "a vital and timely move by the mayor that signals loud and clear: London is open for business and ready to thrive this summer".

He added:

"As the days get longer and temperatures rise, the ability for venues to trade outdoors and extend their hours isn't a luxury, it's essential."