Save Plastic People petition online
As we reported last week, Plastic People – one of London’s most important nightspots – is under threat.
Well, now you can do your bit to help, by signing an online petition to keep the club alive.
Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Sign the online petition here: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/PP2010/petition.html
2. Make a representation in the form of a letter via the Friends of Plastic People committee; these can then be submitted in a bundle alongside Plastic People’s representations on the 11th March. (Individuals are reminded NOT to send representations straight to Hackney Council Licensing unless they live in the vicinity of the club.)
Friends of Plastic People
PO Box 302
Rosden House
372 Old Street
London
EC1V 9LT
friendsofplasticpeople@googlemail.com
3. All local residents and businesses may submit representations directly to the Hackney Council
(closing date March 11);
The Licensing Service
1 Hillman Street
London E8 1DY
or email licensing@hackney.gov.uk
Below is the official statement released by Plastic People over the weekend:
On the 11th of February 2010 an application requesting a review of Plastic People’s premises licence was filed by the Police to Hackney Council.
The request was made on the grounds that the management operating the club has allegedly not demonstrated sufficient ability to uphold its licensing objectives. Specifically, the Police maintain that Plastic People have failed to prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance.
There is an open window until the 11th of March during which ‘interested parties’ are invited to submit representations for or against the review of the license or any of its likely outcomes. ‘Interested parties’ includes primarily local businesses and residents under Section 52 of the Licensing Act 2003.
Following this open window Hackney Council will hold a sub-committee hearing with all interested parties to review the licence, during which time it will consider all submitted representations. The hearing will take place before the end of March and can result in one or more of the following:
(a) To revoke the licence altogether;
(b) To suspend the licence for a period not exceeding three months;
(c) To modify the conditions of the licence;
A separate committee entitled “Friends of Plastic People” was recently formed and met with Plastic People management on the 25th February to encourage them to work closely with the Police and the Council both prior to the 11th March deadline for representations, and subsequent to this date before the actual hearing.
Plastic People’s every intention is to work with the Police and Hackney Council to encourage a resolution that is mutually satisfactory. The management has already put major adjustments in place following a previous crime and disorder prevention report by the police which include:
-Increasing the number of CCTV cameras installed in the club.
-Providing a two way radio communication between door supervisors and the staff downstairs
and an electric wand for detecting any suspicious metallic objects.
-Hiring a female door supervisor to monitor sensitive areas of potential suspicious activity.
-Heightening body searches at the door.
-Operating a regular toilets supervision and attendance measures.
-Posting signs to reinforce the cut-off time for last calls for alcohol and communicate clearly
the Management’s message on the prevention of crime and disorder.
Plastic People acknowledge that more can be done to promote the licensing objectives and would like to stress that its primary and only objective has always been to peacefully promote fresh and forward thinking underground dance music. It has been instrumental in nurturing many fledgling music movements, including the now-global dance phenomenon of dubstep, and has made long-standing contributions to the musical and cultural diversity of Shoreditch.