Iain Duncan Smith meeting Cllrs and residents at "lapdancing pub" Napier Arms, Woodford New Road

South Woodford pub may have licence removed after “lap-dancing” reports

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Monday, June 25, 2012
11:47 AM

A South Woodford pub is having its licence reviewed after reports of lap-dancing and pole dancing.

Residents living near The Napier Arms, in Woodford New Road, have also complained about anti-social behaviour, fighting and loud music at the pub.

Nearby resident Andrew Richardson said: “This is yet another example of entertainment places running roughshod over local residents and they do it with an impunity that takes your breath away.

“The feeling of a lot of residents is that they are not protected or helped by the local authority.”

Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith met residents on Friday to discuss their concerns.

He said he had received lots of letters from people “fed up” with disturbance from The Napier Arms.

He added: “There’s always been a problem with this pub and the extended licensing, it’s trying to be a club.

“I know the council is investigating and I would urge the leader to just shut the damn place down.

“It’s not behaving like a normal pub. There’s been fighting, it’s just bad news.”

Licence holder Cameron Russell took over the pub in 2010 and has been cautioned for noise offences.

An application was submitted for late opening until 2.00am on Fridays and Saturdays but withdrawn after opposition from the community.

Councillor Richard Hoskins, for Church End ward, welcomed the licence hearing.

He said: “Residents have real concerns and I’m please to see a proactive response from the council.

“I think the residents are pleased there’s going to be a review. I hope they will like the solution.”

A council spokesman said the review had been launched because of breached licensing conditions.

He added: “Following concerns raised by residents the council has investigated a number of issues.

“This includes selling alcohol after the times permitted, permitting people to smoke on the premises and holding events such as lap dancing and pole dancing which is not permitted on the licence.”

The council could revoke the licence completely or impose conditions at the hearing on July 9.

The Recorder has attempted to contact Mr Russell for comment.