Trafalgar Tavern application to use upper floors refused

A proposal by the owners of Greenwich pub the Trafalgar Tavern to hold events on upper floors has been rejected by Greenwich Council’s licensing board.

Greenwich West councillors Maureen O’Mara and Aidan Smith opposed.

O’Mara raised the issue of possible parking issues. With that one, sort out the hapless parking enforcement. A couple of weeks ago another Greenwich borough councillor wanted to stop a new pub and brewery in Blackheath as people might park on double yellows nearby.

If the parking department wasn’t a long-running laughing stock it may not happen. Try not having almost (all?) enforcement staff finishing by 7pm and allow transport such as mopeds to get around.

If there’s issues with a minority of people parking like idiots then deal with the minority.

Though I’m shocked a few hundred quid spent on yet another wooden bollard hasn’t fixed all ills.

Why?
Noise and obstructions

Some residents have complained about existing noise and the Thames Path being obstructed.

Applicant Frank Dowling stated he and his family live directly next to the venue and any issues would also impact him.

A report before the committee stated:

“In April 2021, in line with the opportunity afforded by the Business and Planning Act 2020, the premises applied for a Pavement Licence to be located in the area of Park Row adjacent to the premises and directly
outside Trident Hall.

The granting of such Licences being an expedited process and thereby giving no opportunity for consultation with the public, this Licence was subsequently granted by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Street Trading and Markets Team to run until 30th September 2021.

The granting of the Pavement Licence and its position has caused several complaints from local residents about the loss of amenity and, subsequently, the Licence has not been renewed and the tables, chairs and other surrounds of the area have now been removed.”

The pub had blocked public access along the riverside path over the summer:

“During the Euro 2020 football tournament in June and July 2021 the Council received complaints from local residents that the premises was showing the football on a large screen and had also closed off the area of the Thames Path known as ‘The Knuckle’ thereby stopping members of
the public from passing through.”

“However, on Sunday 11th July 2021, on the night of the Euro 2021 Final where England played Italy, the premises decided to close off the entrance to Crane Street as well as the area known as ‘The Knuckle’ using Heras fencing and causing disruption to local residents, falsely claiming that they had been given permission by the Council to do so. Police attended and dealt with this issue but the fencing was not removed until after the game had finished.”

The committee ultimately decided not to permit the use of two more floors at the pub for events.

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7 thoughts on “Trafalgar Tavern application to use upper floors refused

  • Shocking to see that they closed the path during the Euro without authorisation. Over the summer they had installed tables and concrete blocks on the road to extend their terrace, which left hardly any space for people wanting to walk to/from Crane street. Very difficult for people with wheelchairs and buggies, also for cyclists and the concrete pillars partially obstructed the entrance of the cycle path onto the naval college area. That has been a real pain for a few months. Start to wonder if this was even approved…

    Reply
  • Trafalgar Tavern’s illegal privatisation of public space for commercial gain should be dealt with more seriously by RBG. There’s numerous other cases of this in Greenwich.

    Good decision by councillors on main issue here.

    Reply
  • It seems that with the behaviour of the Trafalgar Tavern during the Euro 2020 matches, they made their beds when it came to the decision of the application.

    Reply
  • There was also appalling, cynical negligence displayed by them during covid lockdown last year that resulted in crowds of young people street drinking in the same area and around the Cutty Sark.

    Reply
  • @ Ballard I totally agree with you. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Sounds like Trafalgar Tavern has the temerity to do as they please. I think this story will hasl legs! Keep an eye out for complaints about late night noise coming from the upper two floors!

    Reply
  • Seems they’re vastly overcharging on drinks also: £7-8 a pint. A shame; used to like the location at least. Now seems to be operating like some kind of classical liberal clip-joint.

    Reply

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