London: Council reject police proposal for gay pub to close earlier
Councillors in east London have rejected a police request for a reduction in the opening hours of a popular gay bar.
The Metropolitan Police had claimed that an earlier closing time at the Joiners Arms in Shoreditch would reduce crime levels associated with the night time economy.
But Tower Hamlets Council rejected the request last Thursday.
The Joiners Arms opens until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, 3am on Thursdays and 2am every other night.
Staff at the Joiners Arms warned it would decimate its trade.
Giuliano Pistoni said on behalf of the Joiners arms: “Our incredible community includes people of all sexes, sexualities, colours, races and nationalities and they know this is like a home for them. It is friendly sexy or friendly welcoming, as they wish. They have come together and won this, not just for the pub, but also for themselves and for everyone.”
