Resident group’s objections to bar and restaurant licences ‘destroying Soho’s reputation’ | London

A community of council-funded residents could “destroy its reputation on the international stage” as London’s entertainment district by vehemently opposing all new bar and restaurant licenses, businesses in the area have said.

The Soho Community, formed in 1972 by a group of residents aiming to “preserve the character of Soho”, voted for a new licensing authority at its general meeting on Thursday; This means it will oppose all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including the renewal of existing licences. He will also object to any venues wanting to open beyond “core hours”, which Westminster council has ruled will end at 11pm.

The association claims that the central London area has seen an intensification of nightlife and unacceptable noise, as well as crime and litter caused by the proliferation of late-night revelers.

The new authority means it will be very difficult for businesses to open or expand in the area. The association is part-funded by Westminster city council and has a formal advisory role on all planning and licensing applications in Soho.

Rupert Power, owner of Sophie’s steak restaurant and underground jazz bar Jack Solomons, both on Great Windmill Street, heads the Soho business association of 150 small companies. “Soho is known internationally for its creative activities and is the melting pot of socialising,” he said. “It would be a shame if the international reputation was destroyed by a few local residents.” He said other cities such as Paris and New York were able to sustain more late-night culture than central London.

Some members of the Soho Community said they were afraid not to vote against the mandate because they were told in an email that any vote would be seen by the association president.

“They always [the society] Objection to the license even for fake reasons, the council is looking at it,” said another bar owner, who is also a member of the association, and added: “It costs them nothing, but we get thousands. Why do you have a blanket policy to say ‘no’? But they say they can see what we voted for, and I don’t want them to retaliate against me by going after my license. They are like the mafia. That’s why I won’t vote.”

Brian Hannon, owner of the Super 8 restaurant company, which oversees Thai restaurant Kiln on Brewer Street and the Michelin-starred Mountain on Beak Street, said it was “shocking” that the community could see how people voted.

He said: “But they have always been opposed to new licenses. The more extreme they go, the more absurd and unreasonable they seem.”

A report by former cabinet minister Alan Milburn this week said a shortage of hospitality jobs was contributing to high youth unemployment in Britain. He pointed out that vacancies in the hospitality industry have halved in the last four years alone. The analysis shows that Britain has the third highest rate of 16-24 year olds unable to earn or study among rich European countries.

Power added: “This is stifling small businesses, which means there are fewer hours and jobs for young people to work. I really worry about young people. It’s not ideal for a council-funded minority to be in a position to stifle growth.”

Society’s methods interrogated last year when he objected to a license for a new gin bar and distillery, claiming it could be a fire hazard. An expert was found to say the gin distillery could have caused explosions, but this was denied by the London fire brigade at the hearing. Despite the rejection of the appeal, the distillery had to pay thousands of pounds in legal fees and still has not opened. All the distillery’s legal costs were £44,000. The Soho Society was forced to pay £27,000, citing its precarious financial situation.

“They should have had to pay it all,” said the owner of a neighboring business. “If they want to make nuisance complaints they should be willing to bear the costs involved. Why should businesses have to pay?”

Planning lawyer Philip Kolvin KC said the power would “cover almost all license applications, so rather than encouraging innovation and diversity it hinders it”. He said this meant license applications could be delayed by local authority hearings, increased legal costs and development contracts could face expiry. “Even where authorities cannot foresee any harm, such as police, licensing and environmental health,” he added.

The government faced difficulties because of society. Even though it’s a historic venue where the Rolling Stones played and people partied until the wee hours, its club is only licensed until 1 a.m.

“The club downstairs was open until 4 a.m., but the council will only give me a license until 1 a.m. I’ll be applying again in the autumn to be open until 2 or 3 a.m. I’ve applied twice and it’s frustrating to be bombarded with objections,” he said.

He added: “It’s a bit sad that we have to close at 1am on the international stage. It could bring the West End into disrepute.”

It is estimated that the Soho Community represents approximately 10% of the area’s residents. Power said he believes the membership is older. “They need to find their young spirit,” he said.

Kolvin added: “It would be huge progress for residents’ associations to make themselves part of the solution rather than opposing change and development. What better way to promote Soho as the world’s leading center for culture, arts and entertainment, as well as a great place to live.”

A spokesman for Soho Community said: “Our licensing powers reflect our concerns about cumulative impact – see Westminster city councils’ Statement on Cumulative Impact and the Licensing Act 2003.

“The changes to our planning direction relate to light pollution and encouraging virtual queues to keep pavements clean.

“To our knowledge, no member has raised these concerns with the Soho Community or any member of the board. The Soho Community has never initiated a review of anyone’s licence.

“In the past, the Metropolitan police and the council would initiate investigations when a serious crime occurred at a property, but the Soho Community has never done so. Even if an investigation were initiated, the decision would be made by the council.

“We have no data on the ages of our members, there is no residency requirement, and the number of Soho residents is unclear.”

Caroline Sargent, Westminster council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for implementation, said: “The council has always sought to strike a balance to maintain Soho’s status as a thriving international center of culture and hospitality while ensuring it remains a welcoming and attractive place to live for its residents.

“When determining applications the council takes into account all representation, including from the applicant, authorities such as the police and established groups such as the Soho Community, and each case is decided on its own merits.”