Islington calls time on excessive drinking

The London borough of Islington is set to become a more pleasant place to live following the introduction of a new strengthened licensing policy designed to tackle excessive supply and consumption of alcohol in the area.

Changes include introducing a new framework of closing times for businesses that wish to sell intoxicating beverages, with off-licenses obliged to stop selling at 11pm all week round and night clubs to cease operating at 1am Sunday to Thursday and 2am Friday to Saturday.

Bars, restaurants and cafes will be forced to close at 11pm or midnight depending on the day, although hotels will still be permitted to offer drink on a 24 hour basis.

The new legislation, which came into effect last Friday (January 25th), is designed to give the council a greater level of control over new establishments aiming to set themselves up in the area, where nightlife is already very lively.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for community safety, said: "We're on the side of our residents, who are affected by the impact of the night-time economy.

"Our strengthened licensing policy will tackle that shift and improve life for our residents, while still keeping Islington's reputation as a great place for a night out."

More than 1,300 premises in the borough are licensed to sell alcohol, making it the third most-populated area for drinking establishments in London.

As a result, residents, the police and a number of organisations including the NHS have raised concerns, which led to the council developing the new legislation.

It is hoped that, while the measures will make things more pleasant for those living in the area, they won't damage the borough's reputation as an excellent location for a night on the town.

The policy was agreed last week during Thursday's meeting of Islington Council.

Published 29th January, 2013

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