Zaf’ron, located on North Road in Brighton, has sought a late-night refreshment license to extend its trading hours until 3am daily. This application follows recent inspections by Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council, which revealed that the restaurant had been operating beyond its permitted hours.
Both the local council and Sussex Police have voiced objections to the application. Inspector Dan Eagle stated, “Sussex Police lacks confidence in the applicant for this premises license.” His objection is based on a previous email from police licensing officer Mark Thorogood, sent in November 2023, when Zaf’ron was found trading past 11pm without a valid license.
Thorogood’s email highlighted discrepancies between the restaurant’s stated closing times on various platforms and its actual operating hours, suggesting a pattern of dishonesty.
On August 8, Thorogood addressed Zaf’ron’s director, Rafiullah Khan, following another inspection on August 3. During this visit, staff were seen rushing to close the restaurant while food was still being prepared, and the door sign indicated it was open. Thorogood noted that the premises should have a late-night refreshment license to serve food and drinks beyond 11pm, and expressed disappointment that the restaurant continued to operate without a license despite previous warnings.
Zaf’ron’s application mentions plans to accommodate around 25 patrons and to employ a door supervisor along with installing security cameras. However, council licensing official Donna Lynsdale pointed out that the high density of licensed premises in the area has already led to significant issues with crime and disorder. The council generally denies new late-night licenses unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.
Lynsdale also noted that Khan’s application lacked mitigation measures or justifications to counter the potential impact on local problems. Inspector Eagle reported over 400 crimes in the vicinity over the past year, including 153 thefts, 99 violent incidents, and 52 public order offenses, with 65 of these occurring between midnight and 3am.
Both the council and police have formally objected to the application and requested a panel of three councillors to deny it. A remote hearing to decide on the license is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20
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