BBPA in calls to stop Hackney council’s stricter licensing laws ‘before it’s too late’

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has joined UK hospitality bosses in calling for Hackney Council to scrap its plans to introduce new licensing laws that would prevent new venues staying open after midnight.

The new licensing rules, which were announced by the council last week, would restrict venues in the borough from opening past 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The association said that the policy would see the borough “change beyond recognition.”

In a letter to the council, chief executive Brigid Simmonds said there is “considerable support for pubs in boroughs like Hackney, where local pubs are often at the heart of the community, providing a responsible place to drink whilst also contributing to the local economy.

“Even if the licensing hours for existing businesses in Hackney remain unchanged, local pubs will still be affected by the new licensing policy. It will sadly change the character of Hackney as less favourable trading conditions will mean fewer pubs and hospitality businesses open in the borough, making it a less vibrant and exciting place to visit and live in.”

Hackney Council declined to comment in response to the BBPA’s statement published on Tuesday 31 July.

A consultation on the plans, which have been under discussion for around two years, received 680 responses from residents 73% of whom were against the new laws.

Licensing Chair, Cllr Emma Plouviez explained on the council’s website why the changes were pushed through.

“Hackney has a fantastic nightlife…however, as it has grown, it is becoming more and more difficult to manage and to strike a balance between supporting our late night venues and the needs of residents who live amongst them.”

“It’s important we manage our night life to ensure it continues to thrive, is safe and continues to build on its reputation as the best place in London for a night out. We’re a small borough, with high density housing and very popular bars, restaurants and nightclubs, and that brings about tensions that are hard to manage without guidelines in place to help licensees and residents alike.”

Hackney’s mayor Philip Glanville defended the new policy in an article for the Guardian last week, which said it will “support new, well-managed businesses” without affecting venues already operating in the borough.

“This borough is just 6.8 square miles with a population of nearly 300,000. Many of our residents enjoy our rich cultural and social life, and many of them just want a good night’s sleep.”

But industry insiders are believe the new policy will have a knock-on affect on businesses which are already open in Hackney.

Scores of pubs, and restaurants in the borough gathered outside Hackney Town Hall on Friday 27 July to protest the license change.

We support the protest of Hackney Council’s overwhelmingly unpopular decision to cut venue curfews. It’ll lead to more binge-drinking and noisey streets from 11pm.

We’re next door to the council and will be open all day with live music, free to all.#EmpireBar #WeLoveHackney pic.twitter.com/dybwgEPJox

— The Empire Bar (@theempirebarldn) July 27, 2018

The BBPA said that the curfew would deliver a blow to London’s already beleaguered pub and hospitality industry.

Figures released by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) found that UK pubs were closing at a rate of 29 per week in 2014. Commenting on the fate of Hackney’s on-trade, the BBPA said that the new laws would leave local businesses “struggling to provide an attractive and competitive offer to customers.”

The industry body has also stated in its letter that London as a whole has over 3,800 pubs, directly employing over 67,000 people, of which 34% are under the age of 25.

“This makes the pub sector an important employer in boroughs across London, including Hackney.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, tweeted that the laws would “affect existing businesses if new innovative and vibrant investment is deterred by restrictive policy.”

Sorry but it does affect existing businesses if new innovative and vibrant investment is deterred by restrictive policy https://t.co/UVdhQ9HGzm

— Kate Nicholls (@UKHospKate) July 19, 2018

Jonathan Downey, founder of London street food operator Street Feast, has been one of the more vocal opponents of the policy.

“This is a disgraceful decision and a shameful failure of elected officials to listen to the views of residents,” he told Resident Advisor last week.

“It is disastrous for the life and vibrancy of Hackney nightlife. This is not over though and we will not be ignored.”