London Fields workspace ‘held three-storey nightclub party’ say police

Plans to sell booze to artists and designers at a London Fields workspace face an uphill battle – because police say its launch party turned into a rowdy nightclub.

WeWork, housed in former council offices at Keltan House, Mare Street, wants a licence allowing the sale of alcohol on the premises from 2pm to 11pm every day.

But the Met has taken issue, and wants reassurances there won’t be a repeat of the shenanigans that took place on March 31.

Police wrote in licensing papers: “It was reported that all three levels had loud dance music playing, alcohol was consumed inside and outside in the street and large crowds were drunk outside and being noisy, leaving their empty drink containers on the street and generally causing a nuisance.

“Staff at the premises stated that this party was a WeWork launch party and had been well attended. It was also reported as running an event like a nightclub night, with even a cloakroom operating.

“The events of this evening has given the police serious concerns as to the responsibility of the applicant and how they will, in the future, promote the licensing objectives.”

Police added the fact the venue had advertised “happy hours” on its site also caused them “great concern”. “Police cannot deal with regular crowds pouring on to the street from WeWork causing a nuisance,” they wrote, saying they would meet with bosses to come to an agreement.

WeWork, which has 90,000 members worldwide, opened the 800-capacity space in February for entrepreneurs, start-ups and freelancers.

A decision will be made on Tuesday.