The owner of popular Soho cafés fights to retain their licenses after alleged breaches
London: A beloved café in Soho is facing a tough time. The place, known as the ‘beating heart’ of Berwick Street, might lose its license. This comes after claims of breaking licensing rules. Westminster City Council is set to decide the fate of Violet’s and the nearby Mediterranean Café, both owned by Ali Aksu.
Reports say staff were caught selling alcohol outside of allowed hours and to customers without meals. Licensing officers found issues like not checking IDs and using unauthorized furniture outside. Aksu has denied these claims, but the police and local society support the license revocation.
A council report described Aksu’s company as the least compliant they’ve worked with. They’re worried about ongoing non-compliance and its impact on public safety. The restaurants have faced fines before and had their licenses reviewed in 2021 for similar issues.
On New Year’s Eve, police found customers being told they could order drinks without food. When a licensing officer tried to address this, she claims she was pushed aside. Aksu strongly denies this and says there’s no evidence to back the council’s claims.
He insists that customers were not encouraged to book tables just for drinks. The police expressed disappointment over the ongoing issues at the venues. They noted that despite previous warnings, the same problems keep cropping up.
Aksu shared a letter from a friend, calling him a ‘pillar’ of Soho and praising the cafés for their community spirit. He mentioned that alcohol was sold without meals only once and that he’s paid over £30,000 in fines for past violations.
Supporters of the cafés are worried about the review. One wrote to the council, saying Violet’s is essential to Berwick Street’s charm. Another noted that the cafés have a unique vibe that’s fading as larger chains take over.
Aksu expressed his deep connection to the community, saying he’s poured his heart into these cafés. He’s been part of Soho since he was a teenager and values the diverse crowd that visits his places.
