Pubs face ban on late-night DJ gigs

Council bosses want to ban new late-night DJ events in the City of London.

No new "promoted events" would be allowed between 11pm and 7am without the "express written consent" of the local police commissioner, under planned changes to the licensing policy.

Promoted events are deemed to involve "music and/or dancing" between 11pm and 7am, where entertainment is provided by a DJ or DJs, "one or some of whom are not employees of the licensee".

The City of London Corporation, which is in charge of licensing in the Square Mile, called for residents to speak up if operators don't propose the conditions in applications.

It will then force operators to abide — by inflicting new licence conditions.

The corporation said police believe an increase in promoted events "has contributed significantly to the rise in crime and disorder and antisocial behaviour".

The corporation wants the restrictions written into operating schedules in applications for new licences and variations that apply after 11pm.

If the condition is not included in the operating schedule, the corporation "will expect responsible authorities or interested parties to make relevant representations".

It will then "include such a condition unless the applicant can show good reason why it should not be included".

Solicitor John Gaunt criticised the plan, saying it appears to be an attempt to impose blanket conditions. He said it would have no effect on existing problems as the proposed restrictions apply to new applications.

Gaunt also said it was unfair that police don't have a time limit to give objections — in temporary event notices they must be lodged within two days of an application.

The plan has been put to consultation until 29 September.