The Music Venue Trust in March last year estimated around one grassroots venue was closing per week on average nationally, with its research showing that in 2022 “the number of shows taking place at grassroots level fell by 16.9%, representing a significant threat to the talent pipeline”.
They said jazz fans “leaving the venue late at night” may become a target for illegal taxis who “prey on vulnerable, intoxicated lone females”, as well being targeted for mobile phone snatches.
Plans for the Blue Note Jazz club would see a 350-seater venue in the basement of the St Martins Lane hotel open until 1am seven days a week.
But Scotland Yard has objected to the venue’s bid to be allowed to stay open and serve alcohol until 1am, saying they believed it “could add to crime, disorder and public nuisance” in the West End.
The concern was echoed by a resident who asked councillors to limit the venue’s hours to 11pm to protect “vulnerable” jazz enthusiasts from criminals operating in the West End.
