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Objectors Jan Tucker, Kate Calvert and Stefan Kasprzyk
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Pub’s plans for erotic dancers drive neighbours up the pole
‘This is not Soho,’ protest objectors who fear an invasion of sex shops
ANGRY neighbours fighting plans for pole and lap dancing at the Archway Tavern have warned: “This is not Soho.”
The pub, in the centre of the Archway gyratory traffic system, has applied to Islington Council for a variation of its licence to include erotic dancing.
Residents say pole dancing would be out of keeping with an area where young families live and at a time when there are plans to regenerate Archway.
Jan Tucker, chairwoman of the police and residents liaison community safety group, said: “It’s just not suitable for the area. We’ve already got a sex shop in nearby Holloway Road and there are plans for a new betting shop and snooker hall. And we already have a fear of crime in the area.”
Ms Tucker, who is vice-chairwoman of Peabody Residents and Tenants Association, added: “I shall be objecting to this proposal as a resident. It is not going to improve the area.”
Kate Calvert, chairwoman of the Better Archway Forum, said she was worried about 24-hour drinking in the area and the pressure on police to maintain order.
“I’ve had beer cans thrown around outside my house in the early hours, and a sapling torn apart,” she added. “It is not appropriate for a pub to seek extra early hours for the sale of alcohol.
“As for pole dancing, it is not going to attract profitable businesses, other than more sex shops.
“This is a residential area with young families and we want to regenerate it so it is a pleasant place.”
Lib Dem councillor Stefan Kasprzyk accepted that pole dancing was perfectly legal, but added: “I just fear this sort of establishment might give out the wrong signals. For example, what sort of individuals will this sort of club encourage?”
He accepted that the Tavern had the reputation for being one of the best-run venues in the borough. “It has a nightclub where there is very little trouble,” he said.
“And I have every sympathy with the Tavern needing to bring in customers and compete in the world of 24-hour licensing. But perhaps, they need to think again about this proposal.”
Residents have until the end of the month to lodge objections with the planning department. A woman at the pub who said she was the manager – but who would not give her name – declined to comment. The application is expected to go to the licensing committee in December. |
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