EXCLUSIVE: ROMFORD NIGHTLIFE LIVES! MAJOR JUKEBOX VICTORY AFTER LATE-NIGHT LICENSING BATTLE.

21st September 202621st September 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Havering Council, Jukebox, Romford min read

Romford nightlife has been handed a major boost after Jukebox owner Danny Woodhouse secured a later 3.30am finish for his South Street nightclub, describing the decision as a “big win for nightlife across Havering” and insisting that his venue has an important role to play in keeping Romford alive after dark.

Danny has been at the heart of Romford’s nightlife for years, running Jukebox as the town’s remaining nightclub at a time when the night-time economy has changed dramatically.

Last Thursday, Danny attended a licensing hearing at Havering Town Hall alongside his legal team as he fought to secure later operating hours for Jukebox.

His original application sought a 4am finish.

It faced objections from the Metropolitan Police, Havering Council’s Licensing Authority and Environmental Health.

Danny did not give up.

A further proposal for a 3.30am finish was also initially rejected, leaving Danny to take his case directly to the Licensing Sub-Committee.

And following Thursday’s hearing, Jukebox has secured the ability to remain open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, with alcohol sales until 3.30am.

For Danny, the decision represents an important moment for a Romford nightlife industry that he believes has been steadily disappearing.

Speaking exclusively to The Havering Daily, Danny said:

“My application for 4am was declined initially by the police, Havering Council and Environmental Health.

“We then tried for a 3.30am finish time and that was still knocked back.

“On Thursday I attended the hearing at the Town Hall.

“Jukebox is the only nightclub in Romford.

“Habits have changed. The town centre is nowhere near as busy as it once was.

“We are our busiest when we are closing.

“Jukebox does not get any trouble.

“This is a win for nightlife across Havering.

“We can now stay open until 3.30am.

“We encourage everyone to have a safe night out and we will continue to work with all the local teams such as the police and Havering Council.”

Danny’s message throughout the process has been that Jukebox is not simply another late-night business.

For him, it is part of what remains of Romford’s entertainment scene.

As other nightclubs and late-night venues have disappeared from the town centre, Jukebox has continued to operate and provide a destination for people wanting to enjoy a night out locally.

Danny believes that should be recognised.

Rather than seeing the venue simply through the lens of late-night licensing, he argues that Jukebox contributes to the wider town centre economy by bringing people into Romford.

And he believes the reality of nightlife today is very different from what it was years ago.

Romford is no longer as busy at night as it once was, and Danny says that Jukebox is often at its busiest towards closing time.

The licensing hearing therefore became an important opportunity for him to explain how the business operates and why he believes the additional hours are needed.

Danny has also stressed that he wants to work with the authorities.

His message following the decision was clear: people should enjoy a safe night out, while Jukebox continues working with the police and Havering Council.

That relationship is important given the concerns raised during the hearing.

The Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health and the Licensing Authority all put forward representations against the application.

The police material raised concerns about crime and disorder and public nuisance, while Environmental Health raised concerns about the impact of customers leaving the venue later at night.

The licensing papers also referred to incidents recorded in the vicinity of the premises.

But the police representation also contained an important acknowledgement, describing Danny as “generally a responsible and cooperative operator who has engaged positively with Police”.

That is something Danny will be keen to build on as Jukebox moves forward under its revised arrangements.

He has made it clear that he wants to continue working alongside the authorities and ensure that people can enjoy a night out safely.

Danny also received political support during the licensing process.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell wrote to the committee in support of Jukebox, adding his voice to those who believe the town’s remaining nightlife venues should be protected.

For Danny, the issue is ultimately about the future of Romford itself.

A town centre cannot simply shut down when the shops close.

It needs restaurants, entertainment and venues that attract people into the area during the evening and early hours.

And Danny believes Jukebox has continued to provide exactly that.

With so many changes taking place across Romford, he wants the town to retain somewhere for people to enjoy themselves without having to travel elsewhere.

The licensing decision does not remove the responsibility on Jukebox to comply with its licence conditions.

Danny knows that working with police, council officers and other local teams will remain essential.

But after fighting to keep his business open later, he can now look ahead with renewed confidence.

For Danny Woodhouse, this was never simply about another hour.

It was about standing up for the future of Romford’s nightlife.

And following the decision, his message is unmistakable.

Jukebox is staying open, Romford still has a nightclub, and Danny believes there is plenty of life left in the town after dark.

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