Islington Council grants a late operating hours licence to a kebab shop in Clerkenwell, despite strong local opposition.
The global chain House of Doner’s Cowcross Street branch has been granted a licence to serve late night refreshments in its Clerkenwell premises.
Councillors approved the change at a meeting on Tuesday.
The ruling is subject to a set of conditions, including the presence of a certified security officer at late hours, and there being no motorised deliveries after 11pm.
The licensing authority was troubled by the request for later hours, as it was beyond what their “framework” would usually allow.
PC Livermore, representing local police, said late openings give criminals an excuse to loiter. Places like House of Doner can provide a “camouflage for people who are not as nice”.
Objecting to the extension, local resident Kiran Prasad said she thought House of Doner would attract anti-social behaviour.
“It is a scary place to be at that time,” Ms Prasad said. She said she often runs from the “tube station” to her home at night.
Ms Prasad and PC Livermore both said they could not confirm any incidents of anti-social behaviour were directly linked to the shop.
House of Doner’s representative denied a licence would worsen crime.
Doner, who operates more than 100 restaurants around the world, said they sent letters to residents, inviting them to the shop. Ms Prasad said she never knew of any meeting.
After the meeting concluded, the manager and Ms Prasad shared a good-natured hug.
Finlay is our Canonbury reporter. Their words have appeared in various student publications at Warwick University. They are always open to new stories and leads.
Priya is an MA Newspaper Journalism student, covering the Bunhill ward in Islington. She has previously written for the Guardian and the Wall Street Journal, where she reported on industrial action, arts and culture, the UK general election, and more.