Brighton coffee shop refused alcohol licence

Okka Coffee owner Kamil Buer told a Brighton and Hove City Council licensing panel that he wanted to be able to sell espresso-based cocktails, spirits and wine until 7pm.

But the panel of three councillors had concerns about alcoholic drinks being sold without substantial food.

At a hearing at Hove Town Hall, the panel was told that croissants, croque monsieurs and sandwiches would be on sale, with a suggestion of cheese to complement wine.

The small kitchen at Okka, in Dyke Road, Brighton, means that there is little space to prepare full meals.

The council said that Sussex Police had proposed a condition that substantial food should be available at all times.

In a letter to Mr Buer the council said: “Members are not satisfied that this condition can be achieved with the limited kitchen facilities available.

“The requirement for substantial food to be available is important to prevent the premises from becoming a public house at a future date.”

Neighbour Emma Norman objected to the potential noise inside the old Victorian building which she said would continue into the evenings.

She was also concerned about the use of outside space.

The panel said that it was likely that the shop would attract more customers later in the day, resulting in more noise.

Mr Buer was informed by letter that councillors, having considered all the information, on balance had decided ‘not to grant a licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises’.