Camden Council has imposed strict new conditions on The Camden nightclub after police highlighted a "culture of non-compliance" and repeated failures to report violent incidents, including a man punching a woman in the stomach. The licensing panel replaced the venue's 150 conditions with 49 "simplified" rules, including earlier closing times and a requirement for five security staff on site at all times.
Police detail repeated breaches and violent incidents
At a council hearing on Thursday, August 13, Metropolitan Police officers accused the premises licence holder, Mr Kashka Ray, of breaching licensing conditions to "save money" and of withholding CCTV footage that could reveal alleged crimes. Police said that on one night, a man punched a woman in the stomach, triggering a panic attack. Although the man was removed from the club, no effort was made to identify or detain him or alert the police.
On the same night, another man who started a fight with customers was ejected, but managers again did not call police. The Met also claimed Mr Ray was caught on camera sneaking in patrons past 1am on New Year's Eve. Other incidents included a violent brawl on the club's balcony in March 2026 and an under-18s event in July, despite licensing conditions prohibiting children on the premises.
Venue's defence rejected by councillors
The venue argued it was being over-regulated as it struggled to meet all 150 conditions, particularly due to difficulties recruiting qualified staff. Its solicitor said the failure to alert police about the woman being punched was because it was a "domestic incident" and she allegedly wanted only for the man to leave. However, Met Police lawyer Michael Feeney deemed the defence "laughable", and councillors were not swayed.
Cllr Richard Atkins (Green) said: "If there are venues struggling to keep hold of their security based on [this] information, violence against women and girls is more likely to be perpetrated, which is not something to take lightly."
New conditions and operational changes
The licensing panel decided to overhaul the rulebook, introducing changes floated by the Met. The venue must now close at midnight from Sunday to Tuesday, 1am on Wednesday and Thursday, and weekend hours are cut by two hours, from 4am to 2am. The club is also required to have five security staff on site at all times. The Camden opened in 2022 and previously faced a licensing review in May 2025 after police raised repeated violations and concerns about one employee's immigration status. The police had pushed for closure but agreed to extra rules, though managers who agreed soon left.
The new conditions take immediate effect, and the venue must comply or face further action. The council's decision aims to address public safety concerns and ensure the club operates responsibly.
