Punishing Rah Rah would be a mistake

FOLLOWING a recent incident at the Rah Rah Room, I feel it is important for people to understand the type of venue it is. It should be noted that in the 15 months up to September 2016, Rah Rah Room only had one incident of note. This venue is a gem in our city, with artists such as Damon Albarn, Noel Gallagher and Chrissie Hynde all having performed there before. Are we now supposed to believe that if there is a similar incident at another cultural London landmark that we should close it too?

In the case of Fabric, people demonstrated how they believed that “expedited reviews” — whereby a business is closed immediately until a hearing, resulting in a loss of revenue and staff being laid off — are enormously problematic.

Londoners all want the same thing: a vibrant culture and professionally run businesses. The fact is that we now have fewer late-night venues than ever before and punishing well-run establishments such as Rah Rah Room for an isolated incident would be extremely egregious. Congratulations for highlighting the need for action on pollution. However, shouldn’t we be dealing with all sources of pollution, not just traffic? Toxic fumes can be emitted by faulty cookers and heaters that use carbon-based fuels, and a leak from such an appliance or its flue indoors can kill in less than three minutes. Why are there no public information warnings about indoor air pollution? Not everything can be left to market forces; some issues need government strategy. Where is the leadership and co-ordinated action? I see that Waterloo station is to be partially closed throughout August and