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Spalding coffee shop stripped of premises licence for lockdown breach




A Spalding coffee shop is the first business in South Holland, and only the second in Lincolnshire, to have their premises licence removed, the strongest action available to the council's licensing panel, following a breach of coronavirus regulations.

Rafael's Coffee Shop, in Westlode Street, was today in front of the Panel of the Committee of the Licensing Authority after Lincolnshire Police were contacted on Saturday, June 20 with reports that they had customers in the premises, during the national lockdown when no businesses should have been open.

When Police arrived they found around 20 customers inside, with the lights turned off and music playing and food and alcohol being served.

Today's Licensing Panel was convened online
Today's Licensing Panel was convened online

When questioned by officers on the scene, the owner - Jorge Carmezim - acknowledged that they should not be open and claimed they had opened as a one-off for a few friends and holding a small child's birthday party.

Despite this, body-cam footage filmed by the police officer showed primarily adult customers eating and drinking alcohol without social distancing measures in place.

Licence holder Mr Carmezim attended the hearing - held online - where the South Holland District Council panel ruled that the premises licence should be revoked, subject to appeal, due to a blatant disregard for the guidelines in place and a breach of all four of the licensing objectives.

Panel member Coun Anthony Casson, portfolio holder for public protection, said: "Lockdown has been incredibly difficult for businesses and individuals across the district and nationwide, who have been forced to close and face a loss of income due to the tough but necessary regulations in place.

"When the vast majority have followed these rules perfectly, despite the potential personal cost, it is important that we take steps against those who break them, potentially putting public health at risk.

"I am pleased that the panel have taken the strongest possible action available to them in this case, and hope that it will send a message to other businesses in the district that we can and will take action against such activity."

The ban on alcohol sales at the premises will come into effect after 21 days, depending on whether an appeal is lodged in the magistrates' court.



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