A TRENDY Belsize Park hangout is hoping constraints on serving alcohol will be lifted this week. Futura on Haverstock Hill wants permission to serve alcohol without food, despite previously flouting the law and doing so. The eaterie is a favourite of cel

A TRENDY Belsize Park hangout is hoping constraints on serving alcohol will be lifted this week.

Futura on Haverstock Hill wants permission to serve alcohol without food, despite previously flouting the law and doing so.

The eaterie is a favourite of celebrities including Derek Jacobi and Billie Piper, who live nearby and have signed a petition in support, but many other local people do not want to see the licensing laws relaxed.

Owner Siavash Mirzaagha was denied the change of licence in April but has now reapplied offering to close by midnight in a bid to sell booze without food.

A decision is due to be made at the Town Hall on Wednesday night.

Police who have visited Futura said it was being run with "blatant disregard for both the licensing laws and those enforcing them", and also found evidence of cocaine use in the toilets.

They recommended a raft of measures to be enforced, including CCTV and banning drinks outside to limit noise and nuisance to neighbours.