Residents warn Swiss Cottage nightclub bid would ‘see return of drug dealing’

A new basement nightclub threatens to bring back drug dealing and anti-social behaviour to the streets of Swiss Cottage, residents have warned.

Dozens have objected to plans to create a stage and dancefloor underneath a restaurant in Finchley Road, formerly La Voss, for private events.

New owners Business Training Line UK Ltd, which want to rebrand the eatery as The Piano Bar, have also bid to sell alcohol until 3.30am on Friday and Saturdays in a licensing application to be decided by councillors tonight.

But residents have warned that the proposals would see a return of the kind of anti-social behaviour they had to endure for 20 years when the notorious NWC nightclub in Finchley Road was open.

The club shut down two years ago following a brawl involving 40 clubbers armed with champagne bottles, knives and, reportedly, a firearm.

Four people were stabbed.

Edie Raff, co-chairwoman of the Cresta House Residents’ Association, said: “We endured over 20 years of drug dealing, vomiting, and urinating on our doorsteps, and being woken up by noise.” Camden Police have also objected.

The applicant was contacted for comment.