Islington News: Clink Hostel | All-Night Bar and Dancing | Clerkenwell Magistrates' Court

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 15 August 2008

Go-ahead for hostel venue

THE Clink hostel, formerly Clerkenwell Magistrates’ Court, was on Wednesday granted permission for an all-night bar and dancing, despite objections from residents.
An Islington licensing committee, which had previously refused the application, heard that strict measures would be introduced to ensure there is no nuisance to residents.
The bar would be installed in the basement and would be only open to those staying at the 300-bed hostel in King’s Cross Road and their guests rather than the public.
Payment for drinks will be based on a tally system and customers will settle up when leaving the hostel. Entrance to the bar would be strictly 18s and over. The hostel caters for young people, but also single backpackers up to the age of about 35.
Conservation group the Amwell Society warned that granting an alcohol licence would undo much of the work being done to rid the area of sleaze. Retired journalist James Anderson, who has complained about rowdiness at the hostel, said: “They have obviously gone some way to deal with our objections. We’ll be happy if there is no noise or disturbances. We’ll see how it goes.”
Police offered no objections provided CCTV was installed and the council’s noise team had no concerns.

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