London's potential to sustain its position as a world leading centre for late night entertainment is being diminished by the threat of draconian planning policies and licensing laws, according to international property advisers GVA Grimley. Speaking at the Managing Nightlife in Urban Areas conference in London this week, GVA partner Nick de Lotbiniere argued that, at a time of economic downturn local authorities have deliberately adopted policies of extreme caution, which have immense potential to harm the businesses that run London's late-night entertainment: 'London boroughs are being held to ransom by certain highly vocal residents' groups which are unduly influencing policies. An overly restrictive planning process means that London will continue to lag behind true 24-hour city, such as New York and Paris.' To offset the reduction in tourist trade and a slowdown in the global economy, Nick de Lotbiniere says central and local government now need 'to grasp the nettle and work with entertainment businesses.'
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