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Drug and drink fears threaten future of famous London club
Ellie Rose1 Mar 2010
One of London's most famous clubs is threatened with closure because of police concerns about illegal drug use and abuse of its drinks licence.
Plastic People in Curtain Road, Shoreditch, was established 16 years ago and has been praised by clubbers for as having the best sound system in the country.
But the Met Police has applied to Hackney council to have the club's licence reviewed on the grounds that the owners have not done enough to prevent crime and noise disturbance to neighbours.
Councillor Alan Laing, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “Police concerns about Plastic People include issues around poor management, including the lack of a proper search policy, reports of open drug use inside, and alcohol served out of the hours authorised by its license.”
After a four-week consultation period ends, the case is likely to be referred to the licensing sub-committee for a final decision.
Bernard Koudjo, a member of the management team, said he was hopeful a compromise could be reached. “This does not mean that all hope is lost and that Plastic People has come to its end,” he said.
A Facebook campaign called Keep Plastic People Alive has attracted more than 10,000 members.
Reader views (1)
People take drugs in pretty much every club, wherever you go. Shutting down one of the best clubs in the world isn't going to solve any problems, it's just going upset a lot of people, and destroy a piece of musical heritage.
- X, London, UK, 25/02/2010 20:48
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