In March the Extra reported that Violet’s – named after the late ‘Godmother of Soho’ Violet Trayte – had been told it could keep its licence [Ben Lynch, LDRS]

TWO venues accused of serving customers alcohol without a substantial meal face potential closure for the second time in a year.

Police have said the Mediterranean Café in Berwick Street, Soho, has breached its licence by operating “like a bar” without permission, according to a licence review before Westminster City Council.

The neighbouring café, Violet’s, served customers drinks and free pitta and hummus to make it appear they were eating, according to the review.

The Metropolitan Police Service said CCTV showed hen parties, karaoke, and birthday events were taking place at the Mediterranean Café. Police reviewed the booking register and found one party was due to have 60 to 70 guests and that this was “another blatant and deliberate breach”.

“That leaves us no option but to ask for revocation of the premises licence,” a report said.

At Violet’s, the MPS said they found a musician playing at a table inside the venue and customers drinking.

“Upon reviewing receipts it became evident that only one diner had paid for food and the rest had been given hummus and pitta for free.

“It was then obvious that no person had asked for, ordered, or even wanted, the pitta; some had eaten parts of it but many went untouched.”

It was “clear” the venue was operating as a bar.

Ali Aksu, the premises licence-holder, said that both premises are well-managed, food-led, venues that contribute positively to the local community.

He called for the review to be dismissed “on the basis that it is procedurally flawed, unsupported by admissible evidence, and inconsistent with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and the home office section 182 guidance”.

He said officers entered “without prior notice, warrant, or clear indication” and challenged claims that customers were drunk. Mr Aksu said both venues have a licence to provide private entertainment such as singing and dancing.

One objector wrote: “Over the years I have never experienced or witnessed any issues of crime or disorder connected to these premises. They have consistently provided a safe, welcoming, and well-managed environment for all who visit.”

In January the council allowed the restaurants to reopen after a three-month suspension. It also barred Mr Aksu and his brother Mehmet from working inside either premises and ordered a new manager be put in place after the venues were found to repeatedly sell alcohol without food.

In September the two men had their applications to be reinstated in non-managerial roles refused.

The operator had also been fined £24,000 in the past for licensing breaches which it had admitted.

The venues faced a licence review in 2021 and had the premises shut down by police in June 2024 after staff were allegedly caught serving alcohol to customers without food during Pride celebrations.

Westminster City Council’s licensing committee met last Thursday to review the application and a decision is imminent.