The Sekforde, a beloved pub in EC1, may close their doors after Islington council began a license review in response to complaints from neighbours.
According to pub manager Harry Smith, the council wants to revoke the right to stand outside with a pint, close one of the entrances and dramatically reduce the number of outdoor seating tables.
He said that if these changes are forced upon them, then the pub will be forced to close down.
This comes as The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) estimate that just over 1,200 pubs will close this year in the UK.
Harry said there has been consistent tension with a small group of neighbours regarding noise leaving the pub.
An Islington council spokesperson said: “The council aims to balance the interests of businesses with those of residents who may be affected by the activities of those businesses and works with licensed premises to find solutions to issues that might arise.
“In the case of the Sekforde, the application for review has been made because the licence holder has not ensured the prevention of public nuisance, one of the four licensing objectives.”
The Sekforde has launched a campaign for people to email Islington council to voice their opposition to the license changes.
Featured image credit: Alexandra Snow
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