Eastbourne kebab shop licence suspended after staff attack

The incident took place at Istanbul Kebab on Pevensey Road in Eastbourne shortly before midnight on October 17, 2025.

According to police, a "violent altercation" occurred at the premises where the victim sustained minor injuries after being "attacked" by staff members.

Inspector Simon Burroughs of Sussex Police said: "On October 17, a violent altercation occurred at Istanbul Kebab, during which employees of the premises were reported to have physically assaulted a customer using a metal bar and fists."

The kebab shop is licenced to serve refreshments until 3am (Image: Google)

Staff members proceeded to provide false accounts to police officers in attendance, Inspector Burroughs said.

Staff stated that they had been assaulted by the customer in question and when asked to provide CCTV, which is a condition on their licence, they claimed that the CCTV did not record.

"Subsequent checks, days after the incident, identified that the CCTV was in fact in good working order and had recorded the incident", Inspector Burroughs wrote in his representation to Eastbourne Borough Council.

"Evidence suggests that the CCTV footage was deliberately withheld, as its disclosure would have demonstrated staff members' involvement in a criminal offence.

"Such behaviour demonstrates a complete disregard for public safety, lawful conduct, and the responsibilities placed upon licence holders", the Inspector argued.

A 'violent attack' took place at the restaurant in October (Image: Google)

Istanbul Kebab is authorised to provide late-night refreshment between 11pm and 3am under its premises licence. The licence is held by Dr Nafiz Karaca.

Following the incident, Sussex Police called for a review of the licence.

This was discussed by Eastbourne Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee on January 19.

Inspector Burroughs said: "By engaging in violent criminal conduct, the premises have become a direct source of danger and disorder rather than a responsible member of the community.

"The violent actions taken by staff at Istanbul Kebab represent an intolerable breach of the Licensing Act's core principles.

"It is requested that the premises licence be revoked immediately."

After hearing evidence, the sub-committee decided to suspend the shop’s licence for two weeks.

It also ruled that a member of staff must no longer work at the premises.

The suspension only relates to the licensable activity, which is late-night refreshment after 11pm.

Istanbul Kebab has 21 days to appeal the decision. If the business does not appeal, the two-week suspension will come into effect once the 21-day period has ended.