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Islington Tribune - by SIMON WROE
Published: 31 August 2007

Licence to sing causes discord

PLANS to extend the licence of a Clerkenwell karaoke bar until 5am in the morning have caused an angry song and dance from its neighbours.
The Murphis bar in Clerkenwell Road – a karaoke mecca for city businessmen and sing-a-long enthusiasts with a 250-person capacity – hopes to have the current 1am licence extended by four hours until 5am on Monday to Saturday, and until 2am on Sunday.
But dozens of residents have flooded the council with letters opposing the application, which goes before the Licensing Committee next week.
Fifteen residents from the Millennium Heights building signed a letter claiming there were “unacceptable levels of noise” and “rowdy behaviour” outside the premises. “Varying the licence will seriously undermine the already reduced quality of life for local residents,” said the letter.
Peter Magbadelo, an Islington Council noise team officer, also objected to extending the licence unless certain conditions were adhered to, including noise “limiters” controllable only by the management.
Murphy Okojie, the owner and manager of Murphis, said there had been no complaints before. He dismissed claims of noise from his clientèle, saying: “Karaoke attracts an older, more mature crowd.”

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