The future of a popular street market has been thrown into question this week as authorities decide whether an unlicensed bar on the premises can stay open.
The Pump, in Shoreditch High Street, which occupies the site of a former petrol station and off licence, has been serving alcohol to hundreds of punters without the correct licence, it has emerged.
Hungry crowds and night-time revellers flock to the market every day to enjoy food from 11 different vendors, and drinks from the adjoining bar.
The premises currently holds a licence, granted in 2007, to a small Co-op convenience store that sold beer and wine, groceries and petrol.
An application for an altered licence was denied last year after concerns about antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the area – but the bar has been serving anyway.
Now planning authorities have stepped in and have called for a licence review, saying the use of the premises has drastically changed.
Ahead of the hearing tonight (Thursday), nearby residents slammed the bar for using a minor licence amendment as a “Trojan Horse” to “operate under false pretences”.
Hackney’s safer communities’ team said residents have also reported complaints about loud music and ASB by bar patrons.
A Laleham House resident said: “Residents have reported noise, increase in crowds and smells.”
People are also worried that the venue is “incompatible” with the residential neighbourhood and is adjacent to the Shoreditch Special Policy Area.
A letter from a Batemans’s Row resident said: “The building is a restaurant, as is the forecourt. The building has been extended into the forecourt, clearly unifying them.”
Letters supporting the licence review have been submitted by the Shoreditch Community Association as well as residents from neighbouring Rivington Street, New Inn Yard and Garden Walk.
The Pump did not respond to the Gazette’s request for comment on the matter.
A council licencing committee will hear the case at Hackney Town Hall at 7pm and will decide if it can continue operating. ‘Illegal’ booze sale threatens market
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