Residents block pub applications

Growing numbers of pubs are being hampered in their attempts to gain late licences because of objections from local residents.

Under the new Licensing Act licensees have been applying for extended opening, but only for an extra hour or two in the vast majority of cases.

While large numbers are being accepted, residents close to pubs are becoming more vocal, complaining to their local councils following the wave of criticism of so-called "24-hour drinking" in the national press.

In the most high-profile case the Princess of Wales in Camden, North London, has faced opposition from almost 100 residents including broadcaster Joan Bakewell, over its bid to open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. In a letter to Camden Council Ms Bakewell wrote: "I believe to allow a late-night venue would invite those with criminal intent."

Last week however licensee Jane Symonds (pictured)​ had her application granted. But she said: "This feels like a hollow victory. There are still a lot people against us having the option of extended hours and they are already logging complaints and planning an appeal. We are not there yet."

Another famous figure, newsreader Jon Snow, has helped see off a late licence application from the Torriano pub in Kentish Town, North London.

Licensee Dean Guberina has withdrawn his application to stay open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays because of fierce opposition from residents. "There were a lot of my neighbours against it," he said. "They were concerned about the noise factor and I didn't think it was worth the hassle of applying for a late licence and then getting refused."

And in Bromley, Kent, licensee Laura Jackson also had her application for a late licence blocked because of fears of increased noise and disruption.

A petition from residents influenced Bromley Council's licensing sub-committee in rejecting the pub's proposal to open until midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings. But Ms Jackson feels she has been treated unfairly.

"We're just a nice little family local that gives people what they want," she said. "We are being blamed for all the problems in the area. But we've never had the police come here."

She added they only wanted the late licence to have the option of staying open late for birthdays and anniversaries.