Sunshine Bistro Licence Revoked After Home Office Review Hearing

Folkestone & Hythe councillors have revoked Sunshine Bistro’s premises licence, ending its authorisation to sell alcohol, after a review brought by the Home Office. Written reasons are due within five days.

Sunshine Bistro’s licence was considered by Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s Licensing Act Sub-Committee at a hearing chaired by Cllr Tony Cooper – pictured, who opened by confirming the matter before members was “an application by the Home Office”.

Early in proceedings, the premises’ representative asked the Sub-Committee to adjourn, arguing that the review should be heard alongside separate applications “to transfer the licence and to transfer the DPS”. The representative said police had lodged objections to those transfers and suggested it would be “a better use of everyone’s time simply to deal with both the application for review and the application for transfer and the objections to that all at the same time”.

However, others urged the panel to proceed with the review. One speaker told councillors: “Nothing further to add other than that I wish to proceed with the review hearing.” Another added that, while they understood the desire to combine issues, the “main purpose” was to hear evidence about “the immigration concerns and the police representation in support of that”.

After confirming there were no declarations of interest, the Sub-Committee agreed to move out of public session. Cllr Cooper said: “Given that we’ve restricted information, may I suggest that we go into private session?”

In the hearing, an officer introduced “Report No. DC/25/41” and told members it was an application for review “made by Home Office Immigration Enforcement” following enforcement action. The officer said the Sub-Committee “must determine the outcome” and “must ensure they fully promote the licencing objectives”, while having regard to national guidance and the council’s own policy.

The decision was delivered at the close of the meeting. Cllr Cooper announced: “We’ve decided to revoke the licence and reasons will be given in five days.”

The Shepway Vox Team

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