Councillors voted unanimously in favour of a controversial policy last night (18 July).
The new policy will enforce that all new venues, clubs, bars and pubs are to close by 11pm on weekdays and 12am on weekends. To extend the license, venue owners will have to prove that there will be no anti-social behaviour. The decision comes despite the majority of local businesses and residents rejecting the plans whilst it was in discussion.
Furthermore, the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA) will now double in size, making it harder for new venues to open.
Jonathon Downey, founder of Street Feast commented on the policy, “This is a disgraceful decision and a shameful failure of elected officials to listen to the views of residents, it is disastrous for the life and vibrancy of Hackney nightlife. This is not over though and we will not be ignored.”
This is a disgraceful decision and a shameful failure of elected officials to listen to the views of residents. It is disastrous for the life and vibrancy of Hackney nightlife. This is not over though and we will not be ignored. https://t.co/OATHtEbtAH
— Jonathan Downey (@DowneyJD) July 18, 2018
Night Czar Amy Lamé shared a tweet regarding the decision.
Local authorities are responsible for licensing decisions, not the @mayoroflondon or the @nightczar. If you would like more information, here is a link to the Licensing Act 2003 https://t.co/2dg1VOr4x6
— Amy Lamé (@amylame) July 18, 2018
Mayor Phil Glanville stated that the policy will not damage Hackney’s “creative and dynamic nightlife”. He added that he’s been discussing the plan with Lamé and Sadiq Khan for the last year.
We Love Hackney, a campaign set up by a local group of residents, have released an open letter to Hackney Council. It reads: “This issue is critically important to the future of our borough. The nght tme economy directly supports 4,720 jobs (4.1% of those in Hackney), brings £219m into the bourough – and, perhaps most importantly, has given Hackney a world wide reputation for its vibrant, diverse cultural life.” Read the letter below.
We have less than 24 hours to save #hackney nightlife. Here’s our open letter to Hackney councillors asking them to keep our borough diverse, independent and fun. Write to your councillor here: https://t.co/SpgjAX8fbS #welovehackney pic.twitter.com/BXfo0lbhoz
— We Love Hackney (@WeLoveHackney) July 18, 2018