Khan vows to overrule residents’ group’s objections to Soho bars and restaurants

London mayor says Soho Society’s decision to challenge all new licensing applications ‘bad’ for city

Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, has suggested he will overrule a residents’ society which has vowed to challenge all new applications for pubs and bars in Soho.

The Guardian revealed last week that the Soho Society, a residents’ group established in 1972 and aimed at “preserving the character of Soho”, voted for a new licensing mandate, meaning it will challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including renewals of existing licences.