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‘Ghetto’ one of the names removed |
Nightclub swaps ghetto trash for a more
‘flowery’ frontage
Change of name at soon-to-open venue sees licence granted,
despite protests
A SOON-to-open nightclub in Finsbury has had to remove the name “Ghetto” and the term “trash palace” from its frontage to avoid offending the neighbours.
An Islington licensing committee agreed with residents on Monday that the expressions, although not to be taken seriously, were not in keeping with a “mainly residential” area.
Instead the venue will call itself Floral, after the name of Floral Street, where it is based, just off Old Street.
The committee did, however, despite fierce opposition, grant a licence to the establishment, allowing it to remain open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, 2am on Sundays and 3am on Monday to Thursday.
The objectors, led by Bunhill Lib Dem councillor Donna Boffa, said that under previous management last year, the club, which was then called Play bar, was closed by police for three months amid concerns of mob violence in the streets, thefts and underage drinking.
Cllr Boffa said: “I realise it is a new club with new management, but where are the safeguards to stop people from the Wenlake estate being constantly disturbed at night?
“How are they going to stop drunken people urinating in doorways, shouting and laughing and the constant slam of car doors in the early hours?”
Representing the club, barrister James Rankin said he understood the fears of residents, based on the previous experiences.
“The new establishment,” he added, “is being run by Blanche Leeding, who has won plaudits from the police and authorities for a similar venue in Soho.
“The club, which is effectively sound proofed, will attract a regular and loyal crowd who don’t normally behave in a drunken obnoxious way because they obviously don’t want to get barred.
“There will be door staff to supervise people leaving, with signs telling them to be quiet and not disturb residents.
“There will also be a sign reminding patrons to use the toilet before they leave to avoid being caught short.”
He added that keeping the club open until 5am meant that patrons who couldn’t afford taxis would be able to use the Tube to get home.
But Cllr Boffa felt that in granting the hours the committee had let the residents down.
“We’re pleased that they changed the name,” she said, “but the committee never challenged the club on staying open until the early hours. We are going to call for a review of this license in an effort to restrict the hours. We would consider a 2am licence on weekends as reasonable, and earlier still during the week.” |
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