This is a copy of a letter sent to local residents in the London
Borough of Camden in mid-July.
"Dear Local Resident,
Following relaxation of late
night alcohol licensing laws in 2005 as you probably know, CGCA has worked extensively with our councils and responsible licensees
to minimise the negative impact on those of us who live here. However, as many of us are all too aware,
there are still huge problems.
To try to ease some of these problems, Camden
Council is proposing to change their licensing policy for the north east quarter of Covent Garden. The
change would extend the ‘Seven Dials Special Policy Area’ to include the whole of Camden’s part of Covent
Garden. This includes the area where you live.
This change should be good for residents. It would mean that it will become more
difficult for new premises (bars, restaurants, clubs and off-licences) to open in the area and that existing premises would
find it more difficult to expand. This is because within ‘Special Policy Areas’ there is presumption
to refuse applications for a new premises licence or to increase the capacity of existing premises. So
anyone making an application would have to commit to more measures to prevent them and their customers causing problems to
local residents. This change will strengthen the position of residents substantially in negotiations and
at licence application hearings.
In addition, we believe that it will also
make it more difficult to extend licences into the early hours of the morning. This is because the combination
of Camden’s Hours Policy, and the Special Policy Area Policy, should amount to a “Presumption to Refuse”
extensions of hours. This assertion is currently being reviewed by the Council’s Legal Department
Although Camden and CGCA have gathered a lot of data to support this proposal, the
views of local residents must be heard loudly and clearly if it is to go ahead.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT EVERY RESIDENT REPLIES TO THE
CONSULTATION
The closing date
is Friday 24th July
The on-line consultation can be found on Camden’s website (www.camden.gov.uk) under “Consultations”. You may also receive a postal version directly from the Council.
In case you don’t, we attach a copy of the letter and consultation document they have published.
If you complete this you can post it (Freepost – no stamp needed) to the address shown on the letter.
This proposal results from work carried out by the CGCA and local residents over the
last 3 years. The CGCA exists to help preserve the Covent Garden Area and especially the amenity of local
residents. If you are not already a member and would like to join the CGCA please fill in the attached
membership application and return it to me at the above address.
We
hope that you will be able to reply positively to this consultation. Thank you for your support for the
CGCA and your fellow residents.
Yours faithfully,
Jo Weir,
Chair. "
