LibDems Challenge Licence for South Woodford Nightclub

9.12.12pm GMT Mon 15th Dec 2008

Funkymojoes; The building itself has been sensitively restored

Liberal Democrat councillors, Richard Hoskins and Hugh Cleaver made impassioned pleas for Funkymojoes' licence to be suspended at a packed meeting of Redbridge's Licensing Committee on November 21st. They argued that the business was operating as a nightclub not the high class champagne bar and restaurant that was promised when the licence was applied for. For five months neighbours, including those in an adjoining residential home, had been subjected to appalling anti-social behaviour by customers leaving the premises, which remained open until 3.00am. Ineffective sound proofing, a shooting and the glassing of a woman customer all added to the concerns of local residents.

Manor Court; Residents suffer noise from the bar and its customers until 3.00am

After hearing the arguments, the Licensing Committee ruled that the premises must close at midnight and that trading be suspended for three months until satisfactory additional sound proofing had been installed. Councillor Hoskins welcomed the decision but warned that Funkymojoes' owners would launch an appeal. Apparently they are delaying doing so in order to continue operating over the Christmas period.

Focus Teams are always reluctant to interfere with the rights of people to run responsible businesses and for young people to enjoy themselves in their own way. However, they too must respect the rights of others. Our sympathies are with the premise's suffering neighbours along the Woodford High Road and indeed anyone troubled by the behaviour of its customers. We sincerely hope that the matter will be resolved satisfactorily early in the new year.