Sometimes I ask myself, "are the only new businesses opening in London bars and clubs?" Unfortunately, I’m usually disappointed by the answer!
Here we go again – this time it’s a new establishment seeking to open at 34B York Way, N1 9AB in Regent’s Quarter. The License Application number is PREM/3816 and they are requesting permission for the following:
-
Permit the exhibition of films, playing of live and recorded music
between 00.01 – 24.00 on Mondays to Sundays -
Permit the supply of late night refreshment
between 23.00 – 05.00 on Mondays to Sundays -
Permit the sale of alcohol
between 00.01 – 24.00 on Mondays to Sundays
If you would like to comment on this Application, please do so before 11 June 2008. You may send your comments to: licensing@islington.gov.uk. Please be sure you identify yourself as a local resident and include your address. You might also wish to copy our local Councillor Paul Convery – paul.convery@islington.gov.uk, so he understands the depth of feeling on this matter.
Personally, I don’t want to see York Way become another Upper Street – with wall-to-wall bars – especially one like this that proposes to sell alcohol 23 hours and 59 minutes/day, 7 days/week!
I feel there should be a limit to the number of drinking establishments in a given area. By taking such action we would actually making those granted much more valuable so that owners would have a clear reason to ensure that they did nothing that would cause them to lose their license. What do you think?
Kings Cross Environment 
Stephan, whilst I agree with the notion of your last statement, I don’t think a limited number of venues would be beneficial as it would only encourage the big guys who don’t take risks, don’t respect the area and are happy to provide a soulless atmosphere in which (unfortunately) many members of the public are happy to sign up to.
Whilst applications for 24 hour licences should be viewed with a watchful eye, I don’t think blanket negatively towards new licence applications should be taken. It tends not to let the unconventional, interesting, and sometimes surprising exist. Perhaps some more information ought to be sort from the applicant as to the nature of the venue. Most people like an alcoholic drink or two, but that doesn’t mean most people will come knocking on your door and puking in your garden.
It is on my opinion that Kings Cross would benefit from some more independent businesses selling quality products (in any form). A business venture like this may help to make York Way a more comfortable and interesting road to walk down; as there is very little inhabited street frontage.
It is also my understanding that the current licensing laws effectively encourage the application of a 24 hour licence. Otherwise any extension of opening hours, live music etc becomes a difficult and costly procedure for the venue.
Surely, ensuring the control of breakout noise from the venue would actually be a more valuable campaign.
On a side it is my opinion that the smoking ban has actually increased the negative attitude towards drinking. Walking past a pub today has actually become like walking into a pub! How should we try and solve this?
Oscar,
Thanks for your comments, however I’m afraid we have to agree to disagree. If you live in the neighbourhood, you should remember the Backbacker Pub on York Way and its Sunday event – The Forum, that initally took place at Bagley’s then moved across the street to the Backpackers. Actually I have experienced all the negatives you mentioned – people drunk out of their minds and puking and urinating all over the area.
I’m happy to see folks have a friendly drink, but unfortunate some people don’t know when enough is enough and it seems there are just too many of these type of folks for my liking.
I believe pub owners should “earn the right” to stay opened late. The idea of granting a 24 hr license to serve liquor from day one is simply inappropriate. If they open with less of a license and run a tight ship, then let them expand.
In Jan all the clubs closed in the Goods Way Yards, but before then you could always find a few drunk clubbers stumbling down York Way at 9 or 10AM – something that I simply cannot and will not condone.
Stephan