'Shift' in pros and cons of Islington nightlife prompt new alcohol licensing plans

Islington Council has drawn up new proposals, released on yesterday, to tackle the impact of alcohol after the benefits of Islington's nightlife and the impact on local people 'started to shift'.

Consultation has begun on the council's proposed licensing policy, which includes the following proposals:

• new cumulative impact areas in Clerkenwell, Bunhill, King's Cross, Upper Street, Essex Road and Angel, Holloway Road, Nag's Head and Finsbury Park
• a new cumulative impact area to cover sale of alcohol in the Junction area of Archway
• a new framework of opening hours for new applications, including:
• Pubs and bars - 11pm Sun-Thurs; midnight Fri-Sat
• Restaurants and cafes - 11pm Sun-Thurs; midnight Fri-Sat
• Off-licences - 11pm Sun-Sat
• Takeaway food and drink - midnight Sun-Thurs; 1am Fri-Sat
• Nightclubs - 1am Sun-Thurs; 2am Fri-Sat
• Hotels - 24hr sale of alcohol for residents

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for community safety, said: "We're on the side of residents, who are affected by the impact of the night-time economy. We also need to consider the health of our community, which is among those worst-affected by alcohol in London.

"In recent years, the balance between the benefits of Islington's night-time economy and the impact on local people has started to shift, and we want to change that.

"This isn't about stopping people having a night out or drinking alcohol, but we all know there are problems and our proposals aim to improve life for our residents."

Cumulative impact areas give the council more control over whether new licensed premises can open in neighbourhoods where there are already many pubs, clubs, bars, off-licences and similar businesses.

The council also believes Islington has as many late-opening premises as the borough can accommodate, so is proposing a new framework of hours for businesses.

View the draft licensing policy and have your say on the proposed new licensing policy by clicking here.

    

Consultation on the draft Licensing Policy 2013-2017 runs until 9 December.

Tell us what you think in the comment boxes below.