Brighton Restaurant Faces Second Licence Review After Late-Night Incidents

A Brighton restaurant is facing a fresh review of its late-night licence following two violent incidents earlier this month.

Zaf’ron, in North Road, was targeted on consecutive nights – Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August – by the same man.

Police say the 63-year-old, from Brighton, damaged the premises on the first night and was issued with a community resolution requiring him to pay for the damage.

But he returned the following night, when staff were attacked and the restaurant was further damaged.

During the second incident, at around 3.30am, officers found a man in his sixties with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

Three men, aged 19, 27 and 30, were arrested inside the restaurant on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The 19-year-old has since been released without charge, while the other two remain on conditional bail.

Police are still looking to speak with another person in connection with the investigation.

Sussex Police has now re-applied to Brighton and Hove City Council to review Zaf’ron’s licence, which currently allows late-night refreshment sales from 11pm until 3am (but not alcohol).

The council says the review is being sought on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder. A public consultation runs until Wednesday 10 September.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 172 of 02/08.