Violent crime thwarts licence application

Concerns about violent crime have upset a Brighton takeaway’s plans of to get a late-night licence. Surf ’n’ Fries, in London Road, [owned by Carmarthenshire Services Ltd] wanted to extend its 23:00 closing time but the application was turned down by the City Council licensing panel.  The plan fell victim to London Road’s special stress area (SSA) designation where tougher licensing rules are in place to try to address anti-social behaviour, nuisance and crime.

The company’s two directors, Sobhy Khier Saad and Peter Adelatta, both work full time in the shop and they told the licensing panel hearing in June that the business was struggling and needed the extra hours to break even.

But Sussex Police said that the stretch of London Road where Surf’n’Fries is situated is well-known for anti-social behaviour, often involving alcohol, with “hotspots” for serious violence including violence aimed at women and girls.

A number of these violence hotspots were known to be close to late-night takeaways in London Road.

The licensing panel said: “Although the operating schedule sets out steps that were intended to be taken to promote the licensing objectives, we were not convinced that they were tailored to the operation of the premises or to making positive proposals to ensure that there would be no adverse impact on the SSA.

“We lack confidence in the applicant fully understanding the range of considerations which need to be addressed when applying for a late licence in this area.”

Carmarthenshire Services Ltd has 21 days to appeal.