Proposed clampdown on Hackney nightlife rejected

Inside the Nest, Dalston

Clubs, bars and their patrons in Dalston, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington can continue to enjoy a vibrant nightlife after a consultation showed that the majority of residents opposed tighter licensing restrictions in these areas.

More than 1000 people responded to the consultation, which found that 77 per cent of respondents were opposed to introducing a special policy area (SPA) to restrict new licences in Dalston, 75 per cent opposed one in Stoke Newington and 72 per cent were against extending the existing SPA in Shoreditch.

Hackney Council approved a new licensing policy reflecting these views at a full council meeting on 24 November 2010 and the policy came into effect last week, from 7 January.

Christian Nockall, who promotes the night Lively at Dalston’s newest club The Nest, welcomed the decision. “This is really good news,” he said. “Dalston has an emerging reputation for underground nights out and it’s encouraging that the people have spoken and they want this to continue.”

SPAs allow tighter restrictions on new licences in areas considered to be suffering a negative impact due to a concentration of licensed premises. However, there were concerns that they could damage the borough’s burgeoning nightlife.