UKHospitality has reiterated its concerns regarding Hackney Borough Council’s revised Statement of Licensing Policy.
The warning comes follows the announcement that residents’ association We Love Hackney has begun a Judicial Review of the policy.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “We still have serious concerns about elements of the Council’s approach, particularly the core hours policy. We understand why residents of the borough have concerns about the problems this could cause businesses and investment in the area and why they feel the need to Judicially Review the policy.
“Hackney’s one-size-fits-all approach goes against the spirit of the Licensing Act and the Mayor’s vision of a global 24-hour city with a world-class late-night culture. Not only will this stifle new venues, it will undermine investment in existing bars, nightclubs and pubs. Hackney’s late-night venues are some of the best in the capital and help contribute enormously to the local community. The Council’s proposed policy will only prove detrimental to the area.”