John James, owner of the renowned jazz club Ronnie Scott's, warns that a vocal minority of Soho residents' noise complaints could severely impact London’s vibrant nightlife. Westminster City Council is proposing measures to encourage quieter, alcohol-free activities after 6pm, which poses a risk to Soho's cultural heritage. James argues that such restrictions could undermine Soho's appeal, making it less competitive compared to cities like Paris and New York. He expresses concern that the council is overly influenced by a small group of resident opinions, ignoring the wider interests of visitors and businesses.
John James warned that growing pressure on Soho's pubs and clubs to host more quiet nights threatens to kill an international city, leaving London lagging behind rivals Paris, New York and Milan.
Every other high street in the land would be deeply envious of what Soho has. And yet we, by the virtue of Westminster City Council becoming restrictive, are trying to kill off our high street.
We cannot be competitive if you listen to a resident who says they want it to be quiet after 11 o'clock at night, not only on a weekday but weekends, any time.
Westminster's policies aim to help businesses thrive while providing residents a decent night's sleep, yet the restrictive measures could undermine Soho's vibrant atmosphere.
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