Crouch End bar petitions to stay open amid dispute with neighbours
Kiss the Sky owner Tony Ray with customers from the bar - Credit: Rachel Kiki
A Crouch End bar has launched a petition to stay open after a dispute with neighbours over noise saw its licence revoked.
Kiss the Sky, in Park Road, was ordered to shut down at the end of July by Haringey Council’s licensing committee after it ruled the venue had failed to uphold responsibilities on public nuisance, crime and disorder.
A physical and online petition has now been set up by the bar, which is taking part in the Crouch End Festival, to rally community support.
Kiss the Sky has lodged an appeal over the decision – which was instigated after residents submitted a review of the licence – with Highbury Magistrates' Court. The bar can remain open in the interim period before a ruling is made.
Faced with winding up, owner Tony Ray, who took over the venue in May, told the Ham&High: “It’s soul destroying.
“It’s stressful enough trying to get bums on seats and trying to recover from such a difficult time."
Ownership of Kiss the Sky changed hands in May - Credit: Rachel Kiki
Tony says he has spent heavily on soundproofing measures, while doing his best to keep punters in check.
"When it comes to crowd control, I’m literally on my feet all the time to make sure people don't raise their voices, or there’s no altercations or anything,” he said.
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“It's like I'm not even a business owner, I’m basically a council marshal.”
When its licence was revoked in July, representations were made by local residents outlining their concerns.
One neighbour wrote: “I live opposite Kiss the Sky in Crouch End and it has become a real nuisance with noise with DJ / live music on many week nights.
“The venue leaves all windows open and therefore it is almost like being a concert venue. Also the patrons drink outside the venue leading to a lot of loud shouting and talking.”
Kiss the Sky claims the local economy will be damaged if it closes - Credit: Rachel Kiki
The resolution of the licensing committee said the owner had “wilfully disregarded his obligations in several respects”.
The council found the bar a “considerable noise nuisance” and said it was “characterised by anti-social behaviour” including street fights, shouting and swearing.
Mr Ray refuted this claim, adding: This ruling is very unfair. There has been no crime reported to police and very few incidents that could cause a public nuisance."
A date for the appeal hearing has not yet been set.
