Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB Published: 16 November 2007
Jdeo’s wine bar
Police shut bar after shooting
THE manager of a bar closed by police last week following a shooting is to change its music policy.
Josh De Oliveira, manager of wine bar Jdeo’s in Caledonian Road, Holloway, is to replace R’n’B with salsa after a shooting in or near his bar on November 3.
The victim was taken to hospital but his injuries were not life-threatening.
At a confidential emergency meeting at Islington Town Hall last week, police used new powers relating to the Violent Crime Reduction Act, which came into effect on October 1, to apply for a temporary licence suspension, which can be granted in just 48 hours.
It is believed to have been one of the first closures of its kind in London since the act came into force. Under normal licensing laws, it would have taken 28 days for the council to issue a closure order.
LIb Dem committee chairman Councillor Stefan Kasprzyk said: “We formed a committee within 48 hours because we’re talking about taking away somebody’s livelihood. The applicant was present at the hearing.”
He added: “The act is used only in the most extreme circumstances. In this case there have been allegations of firearms use.”
Mr De Oliveira, who was hosting a 21st birthday party for his daughter at the bar when the shooting occurred, said: “This is the first time anything like this has happened. There’s no evidence to say it happened inside the venue.”
He intends to hire new door staff and install more CCTV as well as change the music played to attract more mature customers. The council’s licensing panel will hold a full review hearing on November 29.