Franz Ferdinand star Alex Kapranos leads backlash over strict new licensing rules in Hackney

Franz Ferdinand star Alex Kapranos today led criticism of Hackney Council after it imposed strict new licensing laws on the borough's bars and nightspots.

The new rules, passed on Wednesday night, will restrict venues in hipster areas including Dalston and Shoreditch from opening past 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

But it sparked criticism from campaigners who say the new rules will “sterilise” the borough.

A spokesman for London Mayor Sadiq Khan said night czar Amy Lamé has asked for an urgent meeting with Hackney Council to discuss the move.

Following the decision, Franz Ferdinand singer Kapranos tweeted: “Very disappointed with proposals from @hackneycouncil to cripplingly restrict licensing hours and conditions.

“It will rip the soul out of the area and is overwhelmingly opposed by local residents. Please reconsider.”

Former Rinse FM DJ Plastician added: “Awful news here once again. Hackney clamping down on future venues essentially making it pointless to open a night time establishment there. Must. Do. Better.”

Jonathan Downey, founder of Street Feast and Hackney resident, said that he feels the result shows contempt for the residents and disregard for the view of local business-owners.

“We now have the most restrictive licensing policy in the country a far as I am aware,” he told the Standard. “I just don’t understand why they would do this.”

He said he knows “100 times more” about Hackney licensing issues than most on the council but was not personally consulted.

He said he and the campaign group We Love Hackney had been trying to contact the borough’s mayor Philip Glanville “for months and months” but he did not engage with them until the night before.

“It was clear it was going to be steamrollered through. I think the residents know what is best for the residents – we are just being ignored.”

“I think there is some spitefulness about it – I think someone has thought f*** the residents and f*** ‘We Love Hackney’.”

“This doesn’t really affect me,” he added. “I already have a 1000-capicity venue. But it is about younger people who should be coming in and competing with me, that is what makes Hackney an exciting place to be.”

David McDowall, of Brewdog, also expressed his disappointment at the decision, tweeting: “Passionate, determined campaign from @WeLoveHackney. Still in shock that overwhelming public opinion completely ignored.

“We are a large operator these days no doubt, but firmly believe we must protect innovation and opportunity for new, independent and diverse operators.”

Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby warned the move will turn “Hackney into Chelsea” and campaign spokesman Matthew Sanders believes the move will “sterilise” the borough.

“I think Londoners will be incredulous that Hackney - of all places and with a worldwide reputation - has done this. They’ve introduced the toughest restrictions in Britain,” he said.

He added that the “real winners” would be areas such as Walthamstow, where businesses would migrate if they wanted to stay open later.

“The reason Hackney became popular was because Westminster council did exactly the same thing to Soho 15 years ago - and everyone moved east,” he added.

But Hackney Council defended the move, saying current licensing rules are "out of date and need renewing".

Councillor Emma Plouviez added: “Without these steps to manage our nightlife, we face a potential situation where the committee could be forced to approve late licences for venues that are completely unsuitable and will have a huge impact on residents’ lives.”