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This radical tone looks set to continue into
2018. The administration's cultural pri-
orities include a plan to protect London's
historic pubs, and legislation which will help
venue owners and residents live side-by-
side. The latter puts the responsibility for
soundproofing residential properties on
the developers erecting luxury flats, rather
than the venues. Khan describes it as a
"helpful tool" that will "ensure new homes
can co-exist with current live music venues,
nightclubs and pubs."
"It's important that people can enjoy
going out, as well as getting a good
night's sleep," says Lamé.
While he still has much to do to live up to
the global hype sparked by his historic
victory, when it comes to nightlife, Sadiq
Khan clearly gets it. While you might not
spot the mayor shimmying away at his
local nightclub, Ministry of Sound, on a
Saturday night, he is determined to help
the British capital regain its party crown.
"All venues in the capital are under
close watch, and there is now a team
at City Hall who can look into any
emerging threats," he says. "The case
of fabric shows why London needs a
Night Czar — I hope we don't ever get
to that point with such an iconic
institution again."
Mayor Sadiq Khan will be a Convergence
Keynote Speaker at SXSW 2018.
See schedule.sxsw.com for details.
Sadiq Khan. Photo by Caroline Teo
