THE OWNER of a notorious Southall pub said he plans to appeal after Ealing Council revoked his licence last week.
The council’s licensing sub committee decided at a hearing last Friday morning to shut down The Havelock Arms in King Street following a string of violent incidents.
One of the worst was on May 7, when a woman was glassed in the face. She had to find a public phone box to call for help as no-one at the pub would assist her.
Police found the pub floor had been bleached and washed before officers arrived to investigate, destroying any forensic evidence.
At one point, CCTV footage shown during the hearing showed a member of the staff being attacked outside the venue by four men and knocked to the ground before being kicked in the head twice.
Shortly after the attack, former manager Gavin Kapadia is seen standing outside at the scene of the attack, with his arms kept at his sides. He makes no attempt to offer assistance to the victim, who appears unconscious, or to even call the police, who attended shortly after seeing the event on local CCTV.
Sarah Lefevre, representing Ealing Police at the hearing, said officers took no pleasure in recommending the pub’s licence be revoked, but had lost confidence in the licensee’s desire to run the place properly.
Making a statement to the committee, Mr Gurmit Bains, who owns the pub, apologised for the incidents and said that some of the troublemakers had never been seen again.
He added that Mr Kapadia was no longer working at the site and that only one of the incidents mentioned had taken place inside the venue.
After a short deliberation, councillor Kate Crawford, who chairs the committee, said: “We have come to the conclusion to decide to revoke the licence with regards to concerns over crime, disorder and public safety.”
“Mr Bains has failed to understand his responsibilities and failed to understand the conditions of the licence.”
Sergeant Graham Edwards, of Ealing Police Licensing team said: “I fully support and welcome the decision made today by the borough’s licensing committee. This particular premises has been associated with crime and disorder for some time and the correct decision has been made.”
Ward councillor Kamaljit Dhindsa, representing Southall Green said: “I was extremely happy with the committee’s decision. For too long residents have been fed up with the trouble and anti-social behaviour created at this pub.
“The owner can he appeal if he so wishes but I am not sure if anyone will find in his favour.”
In a statement issued after hearing, Mr Bains said: “The decision was predetermined. I attended as a formality and I await the decision to be issued formally in writing. Upon receiving this, we will commence our appeal.”
