Residents concerned about noise after historic pub applies to extend alcohol licence

Families are afraid that changes to a quiet historic pub will make it feel like living near a nightclub.

The Trafalgar Tavern in Park Row currently has two floors where it is allowed to sell alcohol.

They are used as a bar and a restaurant, along with a large area for social functions.

But the riverside pub wants a licence extension to sell alcohol on two more floors on the historic site.

The plans have been met with opposition from dozens of residents. 

The East Greenwich Residents Association say they fear the pub being transformed into a hub of noise and disruption for residents.

A spokesman for the group said: “Anyone who has visited or lived near to a late-night club or drinking establishment in a major city will also be aware of the potential for the additional problems of rubbish, vomiting, vandalism, theft, graffiti, doorways used as toilets, drug use and anti-social behaviour that local residents have to deal with on a regular basis.”

Frank Dowling, the founder of Inc Group which runs many bars and restaurants in Greenwich including the Trafalgar Tavern, defended the plans in a November 1 Licensing Sub-Committee.

He said: “We’re willing to do anything to allay any fears. 

“I’m the biggest critic – I live next door. If I hear any noise outside my house, I call the pub or I text them and I say ‘what’s that?’ and most of the time it’s just passers-by.

“We are very aggressive when it comes to making sure we are not in contravention of quality of life. I’m the biggest quality of life victim if that’s the case. I have three kids under the age of six. We’re not here to upset anybody.

“We want to do good business. We’ve lived here a long time, we care about the place.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted the Trafalgar Tavern for comment.