BBE Store launches petition to protect its future following noise complaints

BBE Store , the East London record store with a focus on Black music, has launched a petition to protect its future after coming under threat of losing its licence.

The campaign was launched by BBE Store last week, as the team revealed that a new residential building was erected close to the Hackney store following the pandemic.

BBE Store claims that "orchestrated noise complaints" have since been made by residents against the store and other businesses on Helmsley Place, an industrial street home to several independent bars and restaurants.

"We feel we have tried to hear some of the valid complaints and as such, we have worked with Hackney Council to implement noise limiters and acoustic curtains as an example," BBE Store said in the petition.

"But there doesn't appear to be any compromise from what appears to be a specific set of residential neighbours continuing to complain," they added.

"As a result, we have now received a notice of application to review our licence on the grounds of 'Prevention of Crime and Disorder' and 'Prevention of Public Nuisance'."

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In a statement shared on Instagram earlier today (October 20), BBE Store says it could face “tight restrictions” or even lose its licence altogether as a result of this review going against it.

So far, the petition has more than 11,000 signatures toward its goal of 15,000. BBE Store has asked for support in “remaining able to operate under our existing licence” and has asked those who have worked with the store in the past to share their testimonials.

Before BBE Store opened in 2016, BBE Music, an independent, Black music-led record label, was established in 1996. The store also operates as a space to host events.

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