Two restaurants have had their premises licences revoked in London’s East End after violent incidents in Brick Lane’s ‘Curry Mile’ including a stabbing and a street brawl. Both the Nazrul and Aladin restaurants have also been barred by the local licensing authority from remaining open after 11pm.
The decision was taken after evidence by the Metropolitan Police to Tower Hamlets Council at a review hearing, backed up by Trading Standards officials.
There were also protests against the restaurants from a local residents’ association—which has now led to the decision to permanently revoke the licences.
“We will take all necessary action to deal with any premises that do not act responsibly under the Licensing Act,” a Town Hall spokesman told the East London Advertiser.
“The Council supports many businesses to carry out their responsibilities—but the safety of the public is paramount and this decision sends a clear message that we will act.”
The restaurants have been marred by a series of violent incidents over the 12 months, including a stabbing and a brawl that spilled out onto Brick Lane itself, according to police.
There was “little confidence that the licensees were in control of the premises and their staff”, the licensing committee heard. A risk of these events being repeated also worried council members.
Revoking the restaurant licenses was the only decision that could “address the serious and long-enduring issues” at the premises, the council said, despite representations put forward.
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