South Woodford nightclub Funky Mojoe is to continue its legal battle at the High Court after being told it must cut back its opening hours.
Funky Mojoe in High Road was put under review by Redbridge Council following a street brawl outside the venue in January.
The council ruled in April that it should close at 12am on Fridays and Saturdays instead of at 2.30am and an appeal by the management was dismissed in a hearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
But speaking to the Recorder yesterday, the club’s director Kerry O’Reilly said: “We’re going to the High Court on November 21 to hear our argument that the decision is unlawful.”
Cllr Ian Bond, the council’s deputy leader, said the club will have to demonstrate the council “has done something wrong in the process rather than just the outcome” or “show that the judge’s decision was flawed in some way”.
He added: “We’re not aware of any particular flaws and we will defend it very strongly.
“It’s disappointing that there was a clear ruling and they haven’t accepted it.”
The bar must stop selling alcohol by 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and on Sundays to Thursdays, all licensable activities must stop at 11pm with the venue closing by 11.30pm, until any further decision at the High Court.
A council spokesman said: “The council will vigorously oppose the judicial review application.”
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