The Licensing Sub Committee of Hastings Council convened on 24 June 2024 to review the premises licences of Balti Hut and Ocean Spice, both located in Hastings. The committee decided to revoke the licences for both establishments due to serious criminal activities and non-compliance with licensing objectives.

Review of Premises Licence: Balti Hut, 72 Queens Road, Hastings

The committee reviewed the premises licence for Balti Hut, located at 72 Queens Road, Hastings, following an application from Sussex Police under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003. The review was based on the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

Background and Grounds for Review

Sussex Police submitted the review application in March 2024, citing serious criminal behaviour linked to the premises. The licence was transferred to Nafisa Rahman from Shahanur Rahman in April 2024 without police objection. However, the police argued that the Rahman family, who operate both Balti Hut and Ocean Spice, had a history of criminal activity and poor management.

Incident and Evidence

Inspector Simon Burroughs of Sussex Police detailed a serious assault on 5 January 2022 involving an illegal immigrant employed at Balti Hut. The victim was attacked by four members of the Rahman family, resulting in severe injuries. The assault was captured on CCTV, and the perpetrators were convicted of grievous bodily harm and affray.

Decision and Rationale

The committee viewed the CCTV footage and considered the evidence presented. Despite the transfer of the licence to Nafisa Rahman, the committee concluded that the Rahman family’s involvement in serious crime and disorder undermined the licensing objectives. The committee decided to revoke the licence, citing a lack of confidence in the new licence holder’s ability to manage the premises effectively.

Review of Premises Licence: Ocean Spice, 43 White Rock, Hastings

The committee also reviewed the premises licence for Ocean Spice, located at 43 White Rock, Hastings, following an application from Sussex Police under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Background and Grounds for Review

The review application, submitted in March 2024, was based on the prevention of crime and disorder. The premises licence was held by Siddiqur Rahman until December 2023, when Ali Ahmed became the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

Incident and Evidence

Inspector Burroughs highlighted a pattern of hostile incidents and non-compliance at Ocean Spice, including a serious assault linked to Balti Hut. Immigration Enforcement also reported multiple visits to Ocean Spice, resulting in the discovery of illegal workers and civil penalties totaling £95,000.

Decision and Rationale

The committee reviewed evidence of violent and hostile behaviour by Siddiqur Rahman and other family members. Despite proposals for new conditions and a change in DPS to Fawjia Rahman, the committee had no confidence in the ability of the new management to prevent future criminal activity. The committee decided to revoke the licence, emphasizing the need to uphold the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack 07052024 Licensing Sub Committee.