Neighbours bid to ban drinks at Cancer Research UK’s HQ in Angel
Published: 10 December, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
ANTI-BOOZE campaigners have opposed plans by one of Britain’s biggest charities to sell alcohol at its new headquarters at Angel.
Cancer Research UK has taken over two-and-a-half floors at the new Angel building (formerly BT headquarters) in St John Street. It has applied to the Town Hall for permission to sell alcohol until midnight when weekday fundraising events are staged at the building.
But the plans are opposed by residents, already complaining about noise and anti-social behaviour blamed on clubs and pubs in the area. Freelance music critic Michael Church, who lives in Chadwell Street, less than 40 metres from the building, could not understand why the charity needed a drinks licence.
Mr Church, who has lived in his street for 40 years, added: “We’ve got so many places where alcohol is available. We already experience noise and anti-social behaviour. Many people can’t sleep as it is.” Patricia Braun, from Myddelton Square, added: “We also need to know whether outside drinking will be permitted.”
A spokeswoman for the charity said: “The licence has been applied for in case the need arises for us to hold fundraising events on the premises.
“Occasionally, the charity runs fundraising events which do involve the serving of alcoholic drinks. These are generally evening events and alcohol is provided in moderation.”