**Summary: Late Licence Rejection for Jazz Bar Raises Concerns Over Live Music Support in London**
**Lead Paragraph:**
Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group, expressed his surprise and confusion after Westminster City Council denied a late licence application for a new jazz bar in Covent Garden. The decision, influenced by objections from the Met Police citing potential crime risks, raises questions about the support for live music venues in London.
**The Impact of Late Licence Rejection on Live Music**
– **Who:** Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group
– **What:** Late licence application for a jazz bar turned down
– **When:** Application submitted recently, decision made in February
– **Where:** Covent Garden, London
– **Why:** Concerns over potential crime associated with late-night patrons
**Concerns for Smaller Venues**
Bensusan highlighted the importance of smaller venues in the music ecosystem, stating, “For music to survive and continue to thrive and grow, you need the feeder venues.” He emphasized that the rejection of the late licence could signal a lack of support for smaller venues, which are crucial for nurturing talent and cultural experiences.
**Challenges Facing London’s Nightlife**
– Many nightlife venues in London have struggled post-pandemic, facing challenges such as:
– Rising rents
– Decreased footfall
– The impact of Brexit and the cost of living crisis
Bensusan noted, “There seems to be a problem in general,” pointing out that numerous music venues have closed since COVID-19, with many not returning due to restrictive policies.
**Police Concerns and Audience Behavior**
While the Met Police raised concerns about jazz fans potentially becoming targets for crime when leaving the venue late at night, Bensusan argued that the jazz audience is typically “more mature and respectful.”
**Conclusion**
The rejection of the late licence for the jazz bar raises significant questions about the future of live music in London. How can the city better support its vibrant nightlife and cultural venues?
**FAQs:**
**Q: Why was the late licence application for the jazz bar denied?**
A: The application was denied due to objections from the Met Police, who expressed concerns that late-night patrons could become targets for crime.
**Alt Text:** Jazz bar in Covent Garden facing late licence rejection
**URL Slug:** late-licence-rejection-jazz-bar-london