Noisy club-goers, Parker McMillan club, stop the music at midnight

Published: 16 July, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

A NOISY nightclub which kept Barbican residents awake into the early hours at weekends has been forced to close at midnight.

The decision to cut opening times at Parker McMillan club was taken at a packed Islington licensing committee meeting on Monday.

Residents who complained of suffering sleepless nights had “called in” the club’s licence for review. They were able to do this under powers in the 2003 Licensing Act.

The Town Hall committee ruled that the Chiswell Street club in the City must close at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays – instead of 3am or 4am – and at 11pm during the week instead of midnight. The committee meeting was shown dramatic film,  taken by Islington’s noise patrol and the residents. 

It showed what was claimed to have been customers from the club milling about outside at 3.30am and 4.15am and creating a “cacophony” of noise – laughter, shrieks, car horns and animated conversation. It was claimed much of the din could be heard in flats nearby.

Students from nearby Guildhall School of Music also complained about the noise.

Retired director of the Government’s Countryside Agency David Coleman, who lives on the 23rd floor of a tower block, conceded that the club had attempted to reduce noise levels but he said the measures were not really working. 

“We get shouting, singing and people calling to one another,” he added. “It’s not fair to be woken up when you are asleep.”

The club’s new marketing manager, Gary Dillon, said that new measures had been taken to reduce noise. 

“I’m making it my responsibility to ensure there are no more nuisances to residents,” he added. “Instead of all being allowed out at once, customers will be asked to remain inside until their taxi has arrived. We will also ensure we have good promoters who know how to handle crowds when they leave the club.”

Stars who have appeared at the club include The Drifters, Noel Gallagher, Franz Ferdinand and Jazzie B. Among its corporate clients are Channel 4, Bacardi, Lloyds bank and Surrey Cricket Club. 

The council’s noise team received 43 complaints about the club over three years. It visited the premises and complainants on 22 occasions. “The frequency of complaints has increased each year,” said a report.  “The current premises are not protecting the neighbouring residents from noise disturbance.”