The Sekforde, a pub in Clerkenwell opened in 1829, continues its battle in securing outdoor space for patrons.
Islington Council decided not to impose any regulations on the pub during a licensing meeting on 26 February. Instead, they let the licensing officers decide the pub’s fate. The date is yet to be decided, leaving the pub waiting for a decision.
The decision came after the council reviewed the pub’s licence and wanted to limit the amount of patrons to stand with a drink outside the venue.
The council was swayed from public support of imposing any further restrictions. Over 1,330 people wrote to the council expressing how they did not want any more rules, while 15 said they wanted more regulations.
However, some of the locals’ noise complaints included “women talking at the top of their voices”, “unnecessary loud laughing” and “happy birthday singing”. They have filed complaints for over two years.
Some of the complaints expressed that they have had to move out of their flats near the pub from the noise.
Harry Smith, the pub’s landlord, said: “I just want them to leave us alone. They are all over us. Every Thursday night, they park their car outside the pub for over an hour to watch.”
Legally, a 1.5-metre gap needs to be allowed for people to walk past the pub, excluding the pass from the pub’s patrons. Their pavement is 1.7 metres wide.
Smith added that the officers are “extremely strict” and will measure if pubs are breaking the law.
Smith also points out crowds outside of the pub will not affect the traffic because no one drives on Woodridge Street, where the pub is located.
The locals have been documenting the pub’s crowds outside for years to gather for their noise complaint files. All the photos show that no cars drive or are parked on the streets.
Smith said: “I wish I had a copy of the photos, but you can see that no one is ever driving on this street. The regulations should not be as strict. People like to stand outside pubs.”
Restrictions such as only 20 people being allowed outside, were put in place because the pub was not ensuring the “prevention of public nuisance,” before the meeting.
Walter, a local resident, added: “Standing outside is much more enjoyable than sitting inside during the hot summer months. It’s part of the pub experience.”
Smith said: “We host a wide range of gatherings. From the Karl Marx book clubs every Monday evening to children’s christening. It [The restriction] would really limit people’s experience.”
Islington Council was contacted for comment.
My name is Abigail Glickman and I am a postgraduate journalism student at City St. George's, University of London. I have reporting experience from my college campus's newspaper in the US, my hometown's magazine in New York, and many more.