London clubs facing midnight alcohol ban

Complaints about anti-social behaviour have led a south London council to consider a ban on the sale of alcohol after midnight for certain venues.

The BBC reports that Lambeth Council is considering the ban on certain venues on Wandsworth Road in Clapham.

A consultation is currently running that would see an Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order imposed on the Artesian Well, Lost Society bar and Mist on Rocks bar. The order would prohibit the sale of alcohol between midnight and 6am and any breaches could see the venues facing a loss of license and prosecution.

But director of The Artesian Well (pictured), Rudy Weller, complained that the order was not the right solution and would see his business close.

Weller said: “This is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. We’ve been here for 14 years, there’s been next to no trouble.

“We’re being picked on and harassed by a more powerful body than we can combat. It would close us down and they know that.”

But one councillor told the BBC that the council had to act following continued complaints from locals.

Councillor Jack Hopkin said: “Residents have been complaining about alcohol-related problems in this particular corner of the borough for years, including nuisance, anti-social behaviour and large amounts of noise.

“The businesses have taken guidance from the council and police but we remain concerned that this residential area just cannot cope.”

The consultation is running until 28 November and if approved it could be in place by January.