CASTLE ROCK PROPERTIES LIMITED Trading As THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM
184 CAMDEN HIGH STREET NW1
-v-
THE MAYOR AND BURGESSES OF THE LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN
Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court
Monday 11 September 2017
Licensing Appeal
On 11 September 2017 in the Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, the London Borough of Camden conceded the appeal of Kate Fuller on behalf of the Electric Ballroom on Camden High Street. The Electric Ballroom is an iconic music venue at the heart of Camden Town, internationally renowned as one of the oldest and greatest homes to live music in the world. Hosting global stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, U2 and Prince as well as many other successful acts, and those just starting out, it has been important to grass roots music culture in London for over 75 years.
The application to the Council was for an increase in capacity at the premises from 1100 to a maximum of 1500 attendees for live music, but at the same hours. The Electric Ballroom is in Camden’s cumulative impact zone, but there were no objections from the Environmental Health department, or the Police, who simply sought additional conditions. However, Councillors on the licensing committee in January waived the policy to allow an additional 100 people to attend live gigs, but not the potential extra 400 that the premises needed to be viable.
Over six months pending the appeal, those acting for the Electric Ballroom sought to persuade the Council of the cultural importance and positive impact of grass roots music venues, both in London and the UK. At the appeal, Camden changed position, allowing the change in capacity to go ahead in full. The Court made a substantial costs award against the Council, for leaving it so late to change their stance.
Kate Fuller said: “This is a brilliant outcome for the Electric Ballroom, and also for grass roots music venues everywhere. We tried to show that we are different, and that our patrons just want to enjoy music. It seems the message is getting though.”
The Electric Ballroom was represented by Sarah Clover, Barrister at Kings Chambers Birmingham and Niall Forde, Licensing Consultant
