City of London comedy club faces noise objection

The Top Secret Comedy Club, which has hosted comedians such as Rob Beckett and Katherine Ryan, has applied to the City of London Corporation to open a new venue in the City. The proposed site is the basement and sub-basement of 10 Fetter Lane, a location that has been vacant for over five years and was formerly a gym. The club intends to create a dual-space premises with a combined capacity of more than 500 people.

Licensing Application Details

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A licensing application has been submitted to the City of London Corporation seeking permission to sell alcohol and host performances until midnight each day, with a closing time of 12:30 am. These hours are intended to offer flexibility and allow for the gradual dispersal of attendees. The club's operators stated that events would be staggered to prevent large groups from congregating or leaving simultaneously. A separate planning application will also be required to change the venue's use.

Objections and Support

Claire Callan-Day, an Environmental Health Technician for the Corporation's Pollution Control team, formally objected to the application. She cited concerns that a "significant number" of the 176 residential flats in the vicinity are likely to be affected by noise. Ms Callan-Day noted that patrons exiting the venue, particularly in high spirits and potentially influenced by alcohol, could generate considerable noise. She concluded that the venue's proximity to homes made it "not suitable to be licensed for use as a comedy club."

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However, the Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) has backed the proposal. Lady Lucy French, Chief Executive of the BID, stated that the club's basement location and proposed licensing hours, which are shorter than those of a nearby pub, reduce the likelihood of significant impact. Lady French also suggested the comedy club would align with the Corporation's Destination City programme and contribute to the area's evolving business district.

During a meeting of the Corporation Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday, October 20, Ms Callan-Day reiterated her concerns. Alderwoman Martha Grekos, representing the Castle Baynard ward, also spoke, describing the area as predominantly quiet with minimal traffic. The applicant's legal counsel, Felix Faulkner, argued that the venue is intended as a professional comedy club, not a late-night bar, and that alcohol sales are ancillary to the main operation. Mark Rothman, Founder of the Top Secret Comedy Club, indicated a willingness to negotiate opening hours but stressed the need for flexibility to accommodate potential performances by well-known comedians.

Next Steps

A decision on the licensing application is expected to be issued within five working days following the meeting on Tuesday, October 20. Ms Callan-Day maintained that the proximity of the residential flats, many facing Fetter Lane, presents a "significant risk" of public nuisance.