Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB Published: 19 October 2007
Late licence for ‘quiet’ pub sparks outrage
OUTRAGED Clerkenwell residents have criticised licensing chiefs for granting a quiet pub a late licence which they say will transform it into a nightclub and shatter their peace. More than 10 Arlington Way residents swelled the Town Hall to voice their objections to
the extension of the
Harlequin pub’s licence, which will move from 11pm to 3am every night of the week.
Jane Jones, a resident, said: “The street is very narrow and has a high proportion of elderly people and children on it. I just don’t think a late licence is appropriate and I have my doubts about the way the pub is going.”
The council’s licensing department was flooded with letters from worried residents who say an extension would be inappropriate. Their principal concern is the disturbance created by noisy smokers congregating in the street outside the pub.
After much deliberation the licensing panel granted the licence but added the condition that patrons could not take drinks on to the street after 10pm.