SPIRE

SPIRE was formed in 2012 by residents of Spitalfields to address a growing issue with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhood. With over 2,600 households and 6,600 residents, Spitalfields remains a residential community which has been subject to significant regeneration over the past 20 years. Given its central London location and historic buildings, Spitalfields has become a popular destination for entertainment, food, and drink.

​

The challenge for many residents of Spitalfields is how to support and participate in the continued regeneration of the neighbourhood while also protect their environment from anti-social behaviour driven by irresponsible drinking which is closely connected to the number of venues selling and serving alcohol.

​

Often, the anti-social behaviour displayed by individuals who drink irresponsibly leads to street drinking, excessive and disruptive noise, violence, criminal and property damage, drug offences, civil disputes, harassment, and intimidation of residents who, at times, try to directly discourage such behaviour.

​

Unfortunately, with limited available resources from the Metropolitan Police, the residents of Spitalfields believe one action within their capacity to help balance the residential and commercial needs of the area is to closely review the types of businesses which apply for alcohol licenses, and object where required.

​

SPIRE was formed to represent the interests of residents in Spitalfields when applications for alcohol licenses are submitted to Tower Hamlet’s Licensing Department. Moreover, SPIRE specifically works in partnership with and represents five of the area’s largest resident associations when it comes to alcohol licensing, therefore, providing an organised and consistent voice to licensing officials in The London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH). In addition to many individual residents of Spitalfields, the resident associations with whom SPIRE partners with and represents include:

​

Exchange Building Residents Association:

St George's Residents Association;

Spitalfields Community Group (SCG)

Spitalfields Market Residents Association (SMRA)

Norton Folgate Community Group (NFCG)

Spitalfields Society

​

In support of local business, SPIRE encourages existing and/or potentially new business proprietors to make contact via SPIRESpitalfields@gmail.com prior to submitting alcohol license applications so that SPIRE may share their knowledge of issues which may be objectionable. This can save businesses both time and money as they work through license application processes.

​

SPIRE strives to work closely with Tower Hamlet’s Licensing Department so that the views of residents are closely considered when alcohol licenses are granted and/or amended. SPIRE is appreciative of the cooperation and consideration given by Tower Hamlet’s Licensing Department when objections have been raised to date.

​

SPIRE also partners with other forums focused on Spitalfields’ continued development and growth to ensure that alcohol licensing and anti-social considerations are not lost in the process of broader proposals. This includes, but not limited to, the Spitalfields Planning Forum.