Northampton town centre restaurant has licence revoked after withdrawing appeal

A Northampton town centre restaurant has withdrawn an appeal regarding its licence being revoked due to the overwhelming evidence against them.

Exotic Cuisine in Abington Square was subject to a licensing hearing in June last year following a review instigated by Northamptonshire Police’s Licensing Team, after multiple complaints were made by police officers and members of the public.

Members heard from one man who lived with his young son near the venue and was regularly disturbed by loud music and anti-social behaviour arising from the premises.

The noise had caused his son to be sleep deprived and as a result, this was affecting his schoolwork.

The man went on to say that he knows of at least two people who had vacated the flats due to the noise emanating from the restaurant late at night.

At the hearing, it was also established that the venue did not have SIA door supervisors on duty and that underage people were regularly served alcohol.

Investigations also established that a 17-year-old girl was employed to work behind the bar serving alcoholic drinks during late night trading hours.

Despite the hearing deciding that the premises’ licence was to be revoked, the owners decided to launch an appeal, only to withdraw it last month (December) due to the overwhelming evidence against them.

Licensing Officer – PC Sandy Tracey, said: “This venue showed a complete disregard for the conditions of their licence and allowed the premises to become a hotbed for anti-social behaviour and crime.

“Northamptonshire Police and our night-time economy venues are working hard to reduce violence and predatory behaviour against young people whilst they are out socialising, in what should be a safe environment.

“Our Licensing Team take allegations of underage alcohol sales extremely seriously and premises found to be knowingly participating in such activities, that leave their customers vulnerable, will have action taken against them.

“This outcome was due to the hard work and perseverance of both Northamptonshire Police’s Licensing Team and our colleagues at West Northamptonshire Council.”