Camden Town Pubs Set For Extended Opening Hours Amid Controversy

Camden Council has announced plans to extend the opening hours for pubs and clubs in Camden Town and Covent Garden, allowing venues to serve alcohol and food for an additional half hour. This decision, aimed at revitalising the borough's nightlife, has sparked significant debate among residents and business owners alike.

Key Takeaways

• Camden Council plans to extend pub and club opening hours by 30 minutes.

• The proposal includes scrapping Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZ) in Camden Town and Covent Garden.

• Residents express concerns over noise, crime, and the impact on community life.

• Supporters argue it will boost the local economy and nightlife.

Overview Of The New Licensing Policy

The new licensing policy, approved by Camden Council, aims to enhance the borough's nightlife by relaxing existing restrictions. Under the proposed changes, pubs, bars, and restaurants will be able to serve alcohol until:

• Midnight from Monday to Thursday

• 12:30 AM on Friday and Saturday

• 11 PM on Sunday

Additionally, venues will have an extra 30 minutes to close after last orders.

Controversy Surrounding The Changes

While the council believes these changes will invigorate the local economy, many residents are concerned about the potential for increased noise and anti-social behaviour. Critics argue that the removal of CIZs, which were designed to prevent an over-concentration of licensed venues, could exacerbate existing issues in the area.

David Kaner, chair of the Covent Garden Community Association, voiced his concerns, stating that the changes would entrench an alcohol-led culture in Camden Town, undermining the diversity of businesses in the area. He emphasised that the council's data does not support the claim that the nightlife is suffering, as the number of licensed premises has actually increased.

Support For The Proposal

On the other hand, supporters of the extended hours, including local business owners and representatives from the Music Venue Trust, argue that the changes are essential for the survival of grassroots music venues and the broader night-time economy. They contend that the current restrictions limit their ability to generate income and attract diverse audiences.

Sophie Asquith from the Music Venue Trust stated, "Camden is world-renowned for its creative and cultural impact. However, the climate has become increasingly challenging. Not being able to operate to extended or later hours means losing valuable income."

Next Steps

The council's updated licensing policy will undergo a 12-week public consultation process, allowing residents to voice their opinions and concerns. During this period, the council will also consider the feedback from local communities to ensure a balanced approach that addresses both business needs and resident safety.

Councillor Jonathan Simpson, chair of the Licensing Committee, acknowledged the importance of community engagement in shaping the final policy. He assured residents that all applications for late-night licenses would be scrutinised on a case-by-case basis, taking into account local issues and concerns.

Conclusion

As Camden Town prepares for potential changes to its nightlife landscape, the debate between residents and business owners continues. The outcome of the public consultation will be crucial in determining how the borough balances the needs of its vibrant nightlife with the concerns of its residents. The future of Camden's pubs and clubs hangs in the balance as the community awaits the final decision from the council.

Sources

• Camden Council to put new later hours licensing policy out for public consultation, The Fitzrovia News.

• One North London Borough Wants To Let Pubs And Bars Stay Open Later, Time Out.

• London borough green-lights longer opening hours for pubs and clubs, London Evening Standard.

• Pubs and Clubs in North London Borough Camden Could Soon Be Allowed to Stay Open Later, Time Out.

• Camden set to relax licensing rules to help pubs serve later, Camden New Journal.