London Zoo 'outdoor nightclub' plans

London Zoo has reportedly applied to Westminster City Council for an alcohol license - causing uproar among locals in the area.

Zoo Enterprises, the owner of the zoo, wants a permit to be able to sell alcohol, stay open until 2 am and hold concerts and events catering for up to 15,000 people.

Locals in the Regent's Park area have expressed their concerns and fears if these proposals are given the green light.

See also: Giant salamander is a hit at London Zoo

According to London's Evening Standard, locals have said that if the permission is granted, then the area will effectively be turned into an 'outdoor nightclub'.

It has been reported that as many as 100 people have complained about the proposed plans, and Camden council and local police have also voiced their issues.

See also: London Zoo meerkat keeper found guilty of glassing monkey keeper​

London Zoo used to run adult-only parties in the evenings during the summer, where alcohol was on offer. They stopped this initiative earlier this year after one patron apparently poured beer on a tiger and another attempted to enter the penguin pool.

The Mirror reports that the zoo has since launched a phone line to deal with such complaints.

Daisy Ayliffe, a Channel 4 news producer, spoke of the plans, saying: "I cannot express strongly enough my concern at having this huge nightclub on the doorstep of my home and my child's nursery.

"The danger and damage from thousands of people drinking all day into the small hours outside does not bear thinking about."

A decision on the plans will be made by Westminster council today (Friday).

Rich Storton, ZSL director, said: "There is no intention whatsoever to alter the existing use of ZSL London Zoo or increase the number or capacity of late night outdoor events.

He added: "We have a long history of hosting private functions including weddings and bar mitzvahs, which provide vital income for our conservation work. This is simply an update to our existing licensing arrangements - to suggest that what we are proposing equates to an "outdoor nightclub" is completely incorrect."

The zoo hit headlines again recently after one of their meerkat keepers was found guilty of glassing the monkey keeper.

Caroline Westlake reportedly hit Kate Sanders with a wine glass at the zoo's Christmas party last year.

It was reported that the incident broke out after tension between the pair who had both been involved with llama keeper, Adam Davies, at different times. Westlake was given a 12-month community order and made to pay £800 in compensation.

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