New restaurant given licence despite protests

A new restaurant was given the go-ahead by Islington Council despite protests from local residents.

Basil, in Whitecross Street, Finsbury, was given a licence to sell alcohol from 11am to 9pm seven days a week at a meeting on June 20.

Complaints included noise, bad smells and smoke pollution.

Cllr Wally Burgess, chairman of licensing committee A, said: “The committee considered evidence and representations and was satisfied that the premises had appropriate controls to protect residents from disturbance.”