Clerkenwell councillor George Allan reports on Monday night’s meeting with local residents about the impact of 24 hour licensing on their neighbourhood.
With 135 assorted licensed premises in the area, residents have a lot to put up with. At one end of the scale, Fabric has a 24 hour licence and a capacity of 2,500; at the other, are dozens of late night kebab bars.
It really is a 24 hour society, with the Smithfield market starting up as the clubbers are still making their way home. None of this is a problem in itself, but the impact on the neighbourhood can be.
Islington Council has introduced extra sweeping, street-washing and litter patrols in the area. And now a pop-up urinal is to be constructed in St John Street: work starts next week.
