Islington Tribune - News: Hundreds join fight against lap dancing

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 23 November 2007

Hundreds join fight against lap dancing

Campaigners speak out as decision on pub looms

A FORMER Home Office civil servant, a leading psychotherapist and a Sun newspaper journalist emerged this week among hundreds of residents who are objecting to pole dancing at the Archway Tavern.
They are part of what is believed to be the biggest ever protest in Islington under the government’s new 24-hour licensing legislation.
Dozens of protesters are expected to attend a special meeting of Islington Council’s licensing committee next Wednesday at 10am when the plans come up for approval.
The famous old pub, situated on a traffic island opposite Archway Tube station, could introduce lap dancing from 9am to 5am the following day.
Two Hornsey-based GPs with major shares in the Tavern are behind the plans.
Their supporters argue that lap, table or pole dancing is now mainstream and “acceptable” entertainment.
The agenda for Wednesday’s meeting is a record 289 pages long and includes protests and petitions from many major organisations from the Highgate Society to the Better Archway Forum and the Islington Community Safety Panel. There are also protests from both Lib Dem and Labour councillors.
Retired Home Office civil servant Godfrey Stadlen said that pole dancing was being offered at a time when Archway was beginning to lose its “sad façade” with new plans for regeneration.
Highgate psychotherapist Jenny Beddington said she hopes the committee will consider the entire Archway community in making their decision.
Jane Hamilton, an assistant news editor on the Sun, said she frequently has to walk home alone past Archway Tube station.
She said: “As a woman, I will be terrified of having to pass groups of drunken men and stag parties that a round-the-clock lap dancing bar will attract.”
Jan Tucker, chairwoman of the police and residents liaison Community Safety Group, said: “It’s just not suitable for the area.”
Kate Calvert, chairwoman of the Better Archway Forum, said: “This is a residential area with young families and we want to regenerate it so that it is a pleasant place to live.”
Labour councillor Janet Burgess said that the committee must throw out the plan.
She added: “I fear that the council may not use the powers it has or is worried about the cost of an appeal.
“But the Licensing Act allows for more attention to be paid to public safety and regeneration.
“A pole-dancing club could encourage the wrong kind of people to visit Archway.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: