HMV Forum bid to stay open 'til 6am

Published: 22 July, 2010
by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS

BATTLELINES have been drawn over a music venue’s bid to stay open an extra 12 hours a year.

HMV Forum managers were set to learn last night (Wednesday) if their application to stay open six nights a year until 6am will be granted. They currently operate under a 4am cut-off.

The venue on Highgate Road has been at the centre of a stand-off with its Kentish Town neighbours for a number of years, although relations improved last year after two unpopular club events, School Disco and the Church, were jettisoned as a peace offering. 

But since then owners the Mama Group have spent more than £1million restoring the art deco building to its former glory, and managers have warned that the Forum is now struggling financially. Steve Forster, who runs the building on behalf of the Mama Group, has repeatedly warned it is losing money and needs compromises in its licence to continue as a viable business.

He said: “It would be nice to think that people actually focused on the positives to the building and considered the furore that would take place – and the great cultural loss to the borough – if the Forum was forced to close. 

He added: “In having this 12 hours per year available to us, it will remove the need for us to reconsider re-opening weekly clubs as our current licence allows.”

Three residents’ associations, three neighbours and a ward councillor have opposed the application.

Caroline Hill, of Kentish Town Road Action, added: “It’s impossible to sleep at 4am, what with loud talking, slamming doors and engines running in the street. The situation will be far worse if the Forum gets an extension to 6am because customers will be trickling out of the Forum all night.”