Hackney community clash over decision to cut Dolphin pub’s hours
The Dolphin Pub owners Yasar Yildiz and Nuvit are upset as they are due for closure because of high number of thefts. - Credit: Archant
A council decision to strip a famed pub of its late night drinking licence has put a community at loggerheads.
Businesses and residents close to the Dolphin in Mare Street are set to clash over the decision by Hackney Council’s licensing committee to recommend the venue has its opening hours slashed.
At a meeting at the town hall last week the council agreed to back a decision to force the Dolphin to change its closing time from 4.30am to 1.30am.
The pub owners say they will appeal the decision, meaning it can continue with its current hours until the hearing date – which is expected in December.
Residents who live close to the pub welcomed the council’s decision.
Zibby Skawski, 34, of Bayford Street, Hackney, told the Gazette he would frequently come home from work to find people vomiting and urinating on his doorstep.
He said: “I finish work at 1am and it is horrible to see these people staggering out and causing such a mess.
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“Often it takes me a few hours to get to sleep because of all the noise and shouting. This happens every Friday and Saturday and it is very difficult to cope with.”
Another resident who lives above a shop next door to the pub said he had lived through five years of hell.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The level of nuisance really varies.
“Often people stagger out drunk and make lots of noise.
“Personally I am delighted the council has listened to people’s concerns. It should have happened earlier.”
Despite the joy of some, others – including businesses – fear the change in hours could affect the whole area.
Alpar Urus, who works in New City Kebab in Mare Street, said: “We get on well with them there and the customers are very nice too. If it closes early that will affect our business badly as that is a busy time for us.”
No-one from The Dolphin could be reached for comment.
