“Brighton’s best kebab shop” has late licence revoked

Two takeaways – rated by some as Brighton’s best kebab shops – have had their late night licences revoked after staying open later than allowed.

Casba, Casba 2 and Golden Grill, all in Western Road, have licences to stay open until 3am, 1am and 2.30am respectively on a Friday and Saturday.

But, after receiving reports that all three were still open as late as 5am, Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council took action.

All three were served with verbal and written warnings.

After speaking to police, Golden Grill agreed a ranged of new licensing conditions which included formal staff training, provision of CCTV and membership of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).

Bosses at the kebab takeaway also voluntarily agreed to not serve hot food after 11pm on a temporary basis.

However, officers said Aris Dema, the owner of both Casba and Casba 2, made no effort to contact Sussex Police before a licensing hearing on April 25.

After its licence was revoked, the venue now cannot legally serve hot food after 11pm and before 5am.

The licence holder will have 21 days to appeal the decision.

Sergeant Simon Morgan, of Brighton and Hove’s licensing team, said: “This was not a step taken lightly and is not something that is asked for often.

“This is the first time a licence has been revoked for a kebab shop in the city. Breaches of a licence can often lead to increases in crime, disorder and public nuisance.

“This sends out a clear message to other licensed premises in the city that breaches of conditions and licensing hours will not be tolerated.”

Councillor Lizzie Deane, chairman of the council’s licensing panel, said: “Given the location it is extremely important that food outlets stick to their permitted hours.

“There were persistent breaches which significantly contributed to late night public nuisance, disturbed neighbours and seriously undermined the licensing objectives relating to public nuisance, crime and disorder.

“We would like to thank the work of the police and licensing officers to bring the matter to our attention and for their perseverance in trying to resolve the situation.

“We do not revoke licences lightly, but we cannot tolerate this level of disturbance to a neighbourhood and will take action to protect the public and ensure the city’s licensing objectives are upheld.”