Soho Restaurant’s Drinking Rule Violations May Lead to License Revocation
A popular Soho restaurant faces potential license revocation due to repeated violations of drinking regulations, raising concerns among local authorities.
Soho, London, Violet’s, Mediterranean Café, Licensing, Alcohol
Westminster City Council is set to decide on the licenses for both Violet’s and the Mediterranean Café on Berwick Street. They’re owned by the same company, and it’s not looking good for them.
Reports say staff were caught selling alcohol outside of allowed hours and to customers who weren’t even ordering food. That’s a big no-no! Licensing officers found that they didn’t check IDs and even used unauthorized furniture outside.
Ali Aksu, the owner, is pushing back against these claims. The police and the Soho Society are backing the idea of revoking the licenses. A council report even called Aksu’s company the least compliant they’ve ever dealt with.
The report highlighted ongoing issues, saying they’ve had fines before and even faced a license review in 2021 for similar problems. They were shut down by police last June for serving drinks without food during Pride celebrations.
On New Year’s Eve, officers found customers being told they could just order drinks without food. When a licensing officer tried to talk to the manager, she claims she was pushed aside and sworn at. Aksu denies this and says there’s no evidence to back it up.
The police expressed disappointment over the ongoing issues, noting that the restaurant has been caught trading after hours again. Aksu has supporters who call him a ‘pillar’ of the community, saying his cafes are warm and welcoming.
One customer wrote that Violet’s is the heart of Berwick Street, bringing joy and laughter to the area. Aksu shared how much he loves his cafes and the community, saying they mean everything to him.
It’s a tough situation, and many are hoping for a positive outcome for these beloved spots in Soho.