Brighton Restaurant Owner's Second Application for Drinks Licence Denied

Strategic Insights -

Indian restaurant owner Rafiqul Islam's second attempt to secure a drinks licence for his Brighton eatery, Cardamom, has been rejected by the city council and Sussex Police. The decision was made after concerns were raised about the property's history of breaching licence conditions and the impact of new premises on the area's high crime rate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The council and police have no confidence in Rafiqul Islam's ability to manage a licensed premises, citing ongoing breaches of conditions and lack of adherence to licence requirements.
  • The property's licence lapsed in October 2023, and despite two attempts to reapply, issues with the premises continued, including trading outside permitted hours, lacking a functioning CCTV system, and listing alcohol on menus without sale.
  • Council licensing officer Donna Lynsdale found that, despite no visible alcoholic drinks, menus still included alcohol in February 2024.
  • The licensed premises in St James's Street, Brighton, is in a high-crime area, and the council restricts new drinks licences to avoid saturation and related issues.
  • The proposed premises supervisor, Szabolcs Veres, has experience in the role but failed to prevent ongoing breaches under Islam's management.
  • The governing panel believes the history of breaches and the property's location necessitate "good management in accordance with the licensing regime and conditions on the licence."

Statistics:

  • 2023: The previous licence lapsed in October and was still listed on the menu in November.
  • 2024: In December, the premises' CCTV system failed to record, and staff had not received necessary training.
  • 20-28: The maximum number of customers Cardamom can accommodate, making it a small business.
  • 1: The number of breaches and incidents cited by Sussex Police and the licensing authority.
  • 1: The designated premises supervisor, Szabolcs Veres, with experience in the role, was unable to alleviate ongoing breaches.

Sources:

  • Public meeting to be held over primary school's academisation plans (exact reference not provided)
  • An Indian restaurant owner has had a second application for a drinks licence turned down after objections from Sussex Police and council officials. (exact reference not provided)
  • Mark Thorogood, from Sussex Police.
  • Donna Lynsdale, council licensing officer.
  • Nicholas Perkins, Rafiqul Islam's solicitor.
  • Brighton and Hove City Council council decision letter.