Camden nightclub faces 49 new licensing rules after woman punched

A Chalk Farm nightclub where a man punched a woman in the stomach without police being called will now close earlier and employ more security staff. Camden Council imposed 49 new licensing conditions on The Camden after a review on 13 August 2026, following repeated breaches of rules.

The venue, on Chalk Farm Road, must now close by midnight from Sunday to Tuesday, 1am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Previously, it could stay open until 4am at weekends. The council also required five security staff to be on site at all times, though the previous number was not disclosed.

Police accused owner of breaching rules to save money

Metropolitan Police accused owner Kashka Ray of repeatedly breaching licensing conditions to cut costs. At the hearing, police said they feared Ray was withholding CCTV footage showing alleged crimes at the club, as reported by MyLondon.

One incident involved a man punching a woman in the stomach, triggering a panic attack. The man was removed from the club, but police said no effort was made to identify him or alert officers. The same night, another man started a fight and was ejected, again without police being called.

Michael Feeney, a lawyer for the Met, told the hearing the club had a "culture of non-compliance" that put public safety at risk. He cited other breaches, including an under-18s event in July 2026, despite licensing conditions banning children from the premises.

Club argued it was over-regulated

The Camden’s lawyers argued the venue was struggling with 150 existing licensing conditions and staff shortages. They said the woman who was punched did not want police involved, calling it a "domestic incident". The club also offered to change the licence holder and add two more managers on site at all times.

Councillors rejected the club’s defence. Green Party councillor Richard Atkins said the venue’s failure to retain security staff increased the risk of violence against women and girls. The panel described the club’s arguments as "laughable", as reported by MyLondon.

What happens next

The Camden must now comply with the 49 new conditions or face further licensing action. The council did not say whether it would monitor compliance. The club has 21 days to appeal the decision to a magistrates’ court, but no appeal has been lodged so far.