Special guidelines had been in place in Camden  Town and Covent Garden

CONTROVERSIAL plans to relax licensing rules were waved through by councillors on Tuesday night – making it easier for pubs and clubs to secure later opening hours.

Camden is scrapping its Cumulative Impact Zones policy in Camden Town and Covent Garden – a guideline which had been designed to prevent too many venues clustering in one area.

The changes will also see all bars get the chance to stay open for at least 30 minutes longer with the council insisting that it must help the night-time economy.

The meeting heard two very different visions of a night out in Camden put forward. Those in favour of a relaxed regime spoke of balmy nights filled with friendship and fun, while residents groups warned of drunken binges ending in noisy scuffles.

Kate Gemmell, chair of the Tenants and Residents Associations of Camden Town (TRACT) said:  “Camden Town and Seven Dials have 48 per cent of all licensed premises in the borough in less than 6 per cent of its area. You are asked to determine whether there is evidence of cumulative impact. Residents and the police say there is.”

She added: “Don’t discard a policy that has protected residents for 20 years without consultation.” She said afterwards it was a dark day for residents, adding “It seems clear all Labour councillors had been whipped to vote in favour. Members who voted in favour either don’t understand the issues or don’t care about residents. There is no democracy in Camden.”

David Kaner, from the Covent Garden Community Association, also had a scathing reaction. He said: “It will entrench the alcohol-led nature of the night-time economy in Camden Town. “It will not increase diversity, which was the whole point. The removal of framework hours will simply harm residents and will do nothing to increase the mix of businesses.”

Speaking in favour of the changes was the Music Venue Trust’s Sophie Asquith, who said: “Camden is world renowned for its creative and cultural impact. However, the climate has become increasingly challenging. “Not being able to operate to extended or later hours means losing valuable income by being limited in the scope of their programming.”

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Speaking after the meeting, Ms Asquith said: “We’re delighted that Camden Council has recognised the importance of grassroots music venues and voted to create a less restrictive policy, recognising safe, inclusive businesses and the potential for strong creative growth.”

Pub owner Michael Nicholas has been involved with some of the boroughs best known  venues, including The Monarch, The Lock Tavern, The Crown and Goose, The Hill, The Junction and The Water Rats. He currently owns The Enterprise, The Abbey Tavern and the Camden Head.

He said: “I have been running late licensed premises in Camden since 1992 and have seen a distressing decline. I have been asked by numerous councillors how to arrest the decline. It requires urgent action now. The removal of these areas from the CIZ would be a significant first step forward. The industry requires tangible support, not more restrictive regulation.”

Councillor Camron Aref-Adib

Licensing chief Labour councillor Camron Aref-Adib said: “This draft licensing policy commits to a flourishing night life, that works for the varied and diverse ways in which people want to spend their evenings, whilst ensuring women are safe, and residents are not affected by anti-social behaviour. These proposals will be subject to a public consultation.”

But Lib Dem councillor Matthew Kirk said: “It was farcical that Labour councillors forced it through without any proper discussion – no consideration of the evidence or exploration of alternative models. Residents of Camden Town and Covent Garden have been let down badly.”