Met Police object to iconic Blue Note Jazz Club opening in London as could cause “uptick in crime”

nme.com:

As per The Standard, the Met have objected to the jazz bar, which is planned to open in Covent Garden, over fears that “vulnerable” club-goers could become victims of crime.The planned venue would seat 350 in the basement of St Martins Lane hotel, open to 1am from Monday to Friday.

It was planned as a spin-off of the famous Blue Note Jazz Cafe in New York City which opened in 1981 and is widely considered to be the most famous jazz club in the world.However, the Met have objected to the venue’s bid to be allowed to stay open until 1am serving alcohol, saying that it “could add to crime, disorder and public nuisance” in the West End.At a hearing on Thursday (February 12), members of The Met told Westminster City Council the venue’s late running hours would “expose more people to crime and disorder in the immediate area” and that gig goers “leaving the venue late at night” may become a target for phone snatchers as well as illegal taxis who “prey on vulnerable, intoxicated lone females”.Nearby residents also objected to the proposed running hours, urging councillors to limit the venue’s closing time to 11pm.One resident wrote: “It is suggested that it is extremely likely that some of the dispersing jazz lovers may be inebriated to a greater or lesser extent or perhaps slightly disorientated by their emergence into the cool night air.

They will be immediately vulnerable to the gangs of criminals who already prey on similar groups of people in the Soho area.”Those behind the planned venue said opening to 1am was “integral” to its use.