The application by Karahi Master on West End Lane to extend its opening hours to 5am 7 days a week was turned down by the Council's Licensing Panel on Thursday 25th November. There were strong objections from the Metropolitan Police, Camden Environmental Health, local residents as well as my fellow Councillor John Bryant and me The objections were concerns about the potential of an increase in public disturbance and crime and disorder that a takeaway shop open through the night might attract, as has happened in other parts of London. I attended the panel hearing in support of the residents.
I pointed out that West End Lane did not have a vibrant night-time economy, the pubs closed at midnight and questioned where customers would come from, other than outside the area. The applicant claimed that "there are many middle class customers such as minicab drivers, shift workers and elderly people" who want to buy food between 2am and 5am! Who are they?
I am very willing to support all the traders on West End Lane, but not at the expense of the peace and quality of life of local residents.
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