Call to review Licensing Law to protect residents (Chris Nicholson)

Call to review Licensing Law to protect residents

November 30, 2008 11:17 PM

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Streatham Chris Nicholson has called for a review of the Government's licensing laws after recent problems caused by the Iroko and Telegraph bars on Brixton Hill and Bar Edo on Streatham High Road.

Chris commented, "At the moment I get more complaints about licensing issues than anything else. There have been real problems recently caused by unlicensed use of the premises at the Telegraph and Iroko Bars on Brixton Hill and by Bar Edo in Streatham. And those are just the most recent incidents - there have been other problems caused by bars all along the A23. Prior to the 2003 Licensing Act licensing laws were too restrictive but the balance has shifted too far the other way. Residents' lives have been made hell - often being kept awake till 5 or 6am. The interests of local residents are not being taken sufficiently into account"

Chris has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham calling for changes to be made. He is also calling for Lambeth Council to introduce a Saturation Zone along the A23, as has been done recently by Liberal Democrat run Southwark Council in Camberwell and Peckham. This would make it easier for the Council to refuse new applications for licences in the designated zone.

Chris added "Many people have stressed that they like to go out at night for a drink and live entertainment. That is part of what makes Streatham, Brixton and Clapham great places to live. But we also need to respect the right of residents to get a good night's sleep. "