Neighbouring traders’ backlash as Camden Passage business The Blow Bar gets go-ahead to serve booze

Published: 4th February, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

THE spectre of historic Camden Passage “awash with alcohol” was raised last night after a hair salon was given the go-ahead to sell booze to customers.

Angry traders who had objected to the application by The Blow Bar asked a Town Hall licensing committee meeting yesterday (Thursday) what was to stop the “butcher, baker and candlestick maker” in the cobbled thoroughfare from selling alcohol?

A council legal officer said that anyone can apply to sell alcohol under the 2003 Licensing Act although they might not always get permission. 

The committee heard that the stylists wanted to offer their mainly female clients, and a partner or friend who may be accompanying them,  an “alcoholic refreshment” – a glass of champagne or Chardonnay – while they waited to be seen. 

They applied to sell drink at “make-up” parties upstairs but with no more than six guests at time. The Blow Bar ­owners insisted that no scissors or razors are used on the premises.

But Janet Holdstock, from nearby antique lighting specialists Turn On, said that Camden Passage already attracted noise and nuisance from drinkers piling out of the area’s pubs and clubs. 

She added: “If the council is going to allow a hairdresser to sell alcohol what’s stopping all of us from applying for a licence? 

“Serving booze with the antiques might help boost profits. 

“What’s to stop our unique tourist attraction, famous the world over for antiques, from becoming awash with alcohol?”

Yvette Pathare, who has an antiques shop in the Pierrepont Arcade, pointed out that the licence to sell alcohol, if granted, could be passed on to any other business who came after The Blow Bar.

“The venue could ultimately become yet another bar in an area where we have too many,” added. 

Speaking on behalf of the stylists, Damon Birrane said that cocktails would be offered to create a comfortable atmosphere. 

“We were granted a temporary licence over Christmas and customers purchased alcohol with absolutely no incidents,” he added.  

The committee agreed to the application on condition that sales of alcohol are stopped by 8pm and provided there are no more than two people – client and a friend or partner – drinking at a time. 

Councillor Wally Burgess, chairman of the licensing committee, said: “In this case, strict conditions were agreed. The sale of alcohol is tied to The Blow Bar’s core business – it can only be sold with the purchase of a salon treatment, and no later than 8pm.”