by Mike Addleman, News Shopper 6 December 2000
All are pleased at liquor result
BOTH sides are claiming victory in the bitter dispute over the application for liquor licences at the controversial multi-million-pound Crystal Palace leisure complex.
Bromley council Marketing Manager Brian Turpin was adamant Bromley Magistrates' Court had granted all the licences which were requested by the developers London and Regional Properties.
Mr Turpin said the company had proposed a mix of bars, restaurants and pubs at the complex which was given the go-ahead last month.
Project director for London and Regional Properties, Geoff Springer, said: "In a family entertainment centre like this it would be unthinkable if customers were not able to enjoy a glass of wine or quiet drink with friends."
"The majority of licenses are for drinks with meals at restaurants which will cater for a whole variety of tastes."
But spokesman for the Crystal Palace Campaign, Fred Emery dismissed the claims of the council and the developers.
The campaigners are worried the alcohol would bring more noisy revellers into the area.
He said: "This is a humiliation for the developers because they didn't get what they applied for.
"They originally wanted 14 'vertical' drinking licenses, for consumption of drink on and off premises. But the magistrates have limited the licenses to bars at a health club and bowling alley, a single pub and 10 restaurants where customers have to be eating food at a table to buy alcohol."
He added: "We are still considering an appeal because we are unhappy alcohol will be sold at all."
London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, who has also been a strong critic of the scheme, was "delighted" with the verdict.
He said: "On a day when I have announced my plans for an increase in police officers on the beat, it is a relief to know this development should not place a high demand-on police resources."
last updated 26/12/00