Fears over increased street drinking and crime were behind the rejection this week of an Old Street shop’s application for a 24-hour drinking licence.
Hackney’s Licensing Sub-committee turned down the request by British Food and Wine because of the number of off licences and clubs already nearby.
“They had a police report on crime figures in the area and felt it would have a negative effect on the community because there are too many late night opening establishments already,” said Emma Perry, democratic services officer.
She said this was their second application but that the committee were fixed in their decision.
“They are not going to change their minds,” she said. There are 15 establishments in Hackney with 24-hour drinking licences.
