Barber Ordered to Remove Bench After 15 Years, Citing Permit Fees
A London barber is campaigning to keep a bench outside his shop after a council ordered its removal or a £500 permit fee, arguing it is a community amenity and not an obstruction.
Michael Vasili, owner of George's Barber Room in Kentish Town, north London, has been told by Camden Council to either pay a £500 permit fee, followed by an annual £350 renewal, or remove a bench that has been outside his shop for 15 years.
The bench, which was rescued from a closing-down pub, has served as a place for waiting customers, staff breaks, and a resting spot for passersby. Vasili stated that the bench is put away every evening when the shop closes and does not cause an obstruction, as the pavement is approximately seven meters wide.
"It is part of the community. We let anyone sit on the chair; it is not just for customers," Vasili said. "We are a community barbershop; everyone knows us. For them to do that, it's like, is this the thank-you we get?"
Vasili expressed shock at the council's decision, especially given the current economic climate with rising bills. He believes the cost is prohibitive for his business. "It is expensive and things are hard at the minute with bills going up. Now they are trying to make money off the sun," he stated.
The barber noted that the bench is particularly utilized by elderly residents walking to the station who need a place to rest. He feels the council is unfairly categorizing his barbershop with establishments like pubs and restaurants that may have more substantial outdoor seating.
In response to the order, Vasili launched a petition that has garnered over 140 signatures in two weeks. He intends to use the petition to negotiate with the council for the bench's return without additional fees.
"We are just trying to make the community a nice spot here and they have ruined it," Vasili added. "The locals are pretty unhappy as well with the removal of the bench. People have been going crazy. One of my customers said they will sit outside and chain themselves to it."
A spokesperson for Camden Council acknowledged the bench's popularity within the community. "As it sits on the public highway, a pavement licence is required by law, with annual costs in Camden in line with other London boroughs," the spokesperson said. "We will continue to work to ensure that the same regulations apply fairly and consistently across the borough."