Hastings Restaurant Has Alcohol Licence Revoked After Gas Leak
A Hastings restaurant where 16 people were treated for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning has had its alcohol licence revoked.
Hastings Borough Council's licensing committee reviewed the licence for Grand Pera in Harold Place on Wednesday, following concerns about the management of the premises.
The committee also removed the restaurant's permission to serve hot food after 11pm.
The review was brought by the council's licensing team, which raised concerns about multiple breaches of licensing conditions.
One related to a major incident at the restaurant in December, when people were taken to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
Environmental health officer Sharon White said the leak came from a petrol generator in a corridor and had the potential to cause fatalities.
She told the committee seven people were taken to hospital, with at least one staying overnight.
Another concern involved alcohol being served to customers outside, despite this not being covered by the restaurant's licence.
Licence holder Mustafa Ergun told the council he had improved his management processes and asked the committee to consider what he had learned from the previous breaches.
However, the council's lead licensing practitioner Stewart Bryant said there had been "negligence" and "avoidance".
Mr Ergun said he intends to appeal the decision.
He added that while the appeal process is ongoing, the restaurant's existing premises licence and operating conditions remain in effect and Grand Pera continues to operate as normal.
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