A CONTROVERSIAL licensing application for an off-licence in Archway has been approved by the Town Hall, despite complaints and objections from multiple neighbours.

Archway Local, in Holloway Road, was given the green light by the Islington Council licensing committee last week, and will open in the coming weeks.
Residents previously told the Tribune that there was “simply no need” for another off-licence premises in Archway, where there were already existing issues with drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Multiple letters were submitted in opposition to the premises opening by nearby residents during the consultation period, who raised that Archway was already a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA). They pointed to the fact that were already eight late-night off-licences in the surrounding area.

In theory, CIA zones give councils more power to block licensing applications from shops serving alcohol, as well as giving police extra power to mitigate the effects of street drinking.

Kate Calvert, who chairs the Better Archway Forum, said that she was “disappointed” the council had approved the application because “Archway already has enough off-licences”.

Alex Curtis, who lives nearby, added: “This is an urban area which is particularly hit by people being intoxicated.

“This will increase anti-social behaviour and all the problems that come with it, including frequent police callouts which is an avoidable waste of taxpayer resources.

“Although it’s a CIA zone, we don’t seem to get on top of the problems that are caused by it. We’ve already reached our saturation here!”

The off-licence’s approval was based on minor conditions outlined by the council, including the installation of a CCTV camera outside the shop.

In response, Islington Council said: “The sub-committee listened to all the evidence and submissions and read all the material.

“The council has adopted a special policy relating to cumulative impact in relation to shops and other premises selling alcohol for consumption off the premises.

“Applications for the grant or variation of premises licences which are likely to add to the existing cumulative impact will normally be refused or subject to certain limitations, following the receipt of representations, unless the applicant can demonstrate in the operating schedule that there will be no negative cumulative impact.

“The sub-committee was satisfied that granting the premises licence was proportionate and appropriate to the promotion of the licensing objectives.”