Campaigners have begun to push back against Hackney Council after it recently emerged that the council is proposing curbing late-night opening hours on new venues within the area.
Under the proposal, all new bars and clubs in Dalston and Shoreditch, as well as the surrounding areas, would be forced to close at 11pm on weekdays, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10.30pm on Sundays. The council stresses however that these plans would not affect venues that are already open.
As The Evening Standard reports, the council’s plans aim to limit the "cumulative impact" of venues on "anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, crime and noise". Campaign group We Love Hackney, which previously led a fightback against similar plans in 2015, has described the proposal as an attack on the area’s "social fabric" however. Similarly, Night Czar Amy Lamé has said that the plans could damage the area’s nighttime economy.
Commenting further, We Love Hackney said that the proposal could result in "stagnation of the economy and put Shoreditch’s reputation for fun, innovative and diverse venues at risk".
Lamé said: "I’ve met council leaders, residents and revellers and I know everyone wants the nighttime economy to thrive in a sustainable way. However businesses are already having to deal with increasing rates and a night-time levy, so it’s vital that Hackney Council takes these pressures into account."
Emma Plouviez, Hackney Council’s licensing chairwoman, said: "These proposed changes do not mean we won’t grant new licences or that it will affect existing licences. Every new application will be considered on its merits."
