1 in 3 Hoxton Triangle Clubs Threatened with Closure

From Scruff.com:

London police have warned over 50 of the 150 bars in Shoreditch that they face closure unless they cut back on opening hours, introduce more drug searches and security, the Standard reported this week.

The story emerged just weeks after T Bar was temporarily closed after undercover cops discovered drugs and months after 333 was similarly shuttered as part of what appears to be a rapidly escalating crackdown on the area's thriving club scene.

"It's difficult for us to speak up but the future of Shoreditch is under threat," 333 owner Vicki Pengilley told the Standard, "Hackney Council seems to want to turn this area into another Notting Hill with shops and cafes and the clubs all closing at midnight," she suggested.

Hackney councillor Alan Laing insisted they're only concerned with safety though influential local political group 'Labour in Haggerston' reveal a less than sympathetic attitude towards clubs in postings on their online blog.

"Just before Christmas we had some good news. A closure notice was served on 333, the nightclub situated at 333 Old Street. This was the first licensed premises in Hackney to be shut under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003," the trio of Labour councillors cheered in one post, "Let's hope this sends out a powerful message to other bar and club owners in the ward - stick by the rules or you'll be hit where it hurts most - your pocket," they added.

Mega-successful East London party promoters Secretsundaze also raised the issue in their newsletter this week, writing 'quite a few of you are sure to have heard about recent temporary venue closures at the likes of T-Bar and 333'.

"There is a general crack down on nightclub activity in the area and this means increased security presence and tighter searches," Secretsundaze added, "So please take this into consideration and use your common sense," they advised.

http://haggerstonlabour.blogspot.com (Labour in Haggerston: 'Keep in touch with your local Councillors, find out what's going on in your area and let us know about issues you want dealt with...')