Police oppose Camden pub’s bid to stay open to early hours

Police have opposed a Camden pub’s bid to stay open until the early hours - saying it will increase public nuisance around Camden Town Station.

The Camden Eye in Kentish Town Road has applied to Camden Council to extend its opening hours from 1.30am to 3.30am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The classic pub - which involves itself in the local music and arts scene and serves up traditional food and great British ales - says longer hours will prevent public problems rather than add to them.

The pub says in council papers: “With the additional security and supervision we will be providing for a longer period on Friday and Saturday evenings, we will be able to provide greater support in preventing public nuisance in the area.”

The pub is situated in a Special Policy Area around the station where there have been reports of pressure on public transport and disturbances in the past.

Police do not believe extended hours will enhance the public atmosphere and officers say the licence bid does not provide enough evidence that the pub will help promote safety in the area.

Police Constable Russell Kinson said: “We feel that this application in its current form does not prove that the venue will have no further impact on the sensitive area of Camden Town.”

A decision on the extended licence is due to be made today (Thursday, October 27).