Resident group's objections to bar and restaurant licences destroying Soho's reputation'

The Soho Society, formed in 1972 to preserve Soho’s character, voted at its Thursday AGM for a licensing mandate that will challenge all new bar and restaurant applications, including renewals. It will also object to venues seeking to open beyond core hours, which Westminster sets as ending at 11pm. The society attributes increased nightlife to unacceptable noise, crime, and litter from late-night revellers. It is part-funded by Westminster council and has a formal consultative role in planning and licensing applications. Rupert Power, chair of a 150-company Soho business alliance, warned that international reputation could be damaged by a few residents’ objections.

"The Soho Society, a group of residents established in 1972 aimed at preserving the character of Soho, voted in its AGM on Thursday for a new licensing mandate, meaning it will challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including renewals of existing licences."

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