5am licence skewered

10 June 2003

A bid by Notting Hill Kebab shop, Kebab Machine, to continue to stay open until 5am, seven days a week has been rejected by West London Magistrates Court.

Proprietors, Validway Ltd appeared in court last week (2 June) to appeal the Licensing Panel's decision of 19 December not to renew their late night licence, forcing the premises to close at midnight.

The appeal was rejected after Royal Borough Food Safety and Licensing Officers once again presented their dossier of evidence against Kebab Machine. The file included pictures of mouse droppings, rusty fridges and mouldy freezers in food preparation areas. Environmental Health Officers stated that standards at the takeaway only changed for the better when it became apparent the night café licence was in jeopardy. Added to that were concerns about the management and licensing arrangements of the premises.

Councillor Richard Walker-Arnott, Council Member for Environmental Health, Leisure and Waste Management said: "These types of conditions are totally unacceptable in the Royal Borough. Other food businesses take note."

The case first came to light last year after locals contacted Food Safety Officers to express their alarm at the state of the premises. Inspections followed, with Food Safety Officers finding conditions 'abysmal'. Both owner and manager were described as not 'fit and proper' at the Licensing Panel in December. Since lodging their appeal, hygiene and management standards at the premises have seen an improvement.

The Appellant was ordered to pay the Council's costs in full of £7990.00. They have 21 days in which to appeal again to the Crown Court. Kebab Machine continues to open until 5.00am pending an appeal to the Crown Court.

For further information contact Press and Public Relations.

Notes for Editors:The Premises are called Kebab Machine and are located at 40 B Notting Hill Gate, W11.

The application heard by the panel last December was for the renewal of the night café license which entitled the premises to remain open from 11.00pm to 5.00am to serve food for the consumption both on and off the premises.

The License has been held for the premises for over 15 years.

The license holder of the premises is Validway Limited. The franchise is run by Mr Kaan.