La Reserve ignored restriction imposed after football brawl
A Fulham bar that continuously breached its alcohol licence conditions has been told to pay more than £3,000.
La Reserve on Fulham Road had a number of restrictions placed on its licence after rival thugs from Cardiff City and Chelsea brawled in the streets on the day of an FA Cup clash in February 2010.
Following the disorder, the council enforced changes to the conditions of La Reserve’s licence in order to prevent problems from arising.
In particular, La Reserve was told to ensure that alcohol was only served in plastic glasses and that security staff were on the door on matchdays.
They were also told to do all they could to prevent drinkers leaving the bar carrying bottles or glasses. In addition, they were instructed to make sure that the blinds were closed on match days.
But when council licensing officers and police made routine inspections of the bar on match days later in the year they found that the restrictions were being ignored.
When Stoke City was in town in August 2010 they noticed the blinds of La Reserve were open, meaning that rival supporters could see who was drinking inside. They also spotted people drinking from glass bottles.
It was a similar story when inspections were carried out ahead of a match with Wolverhampton Wanderers later that month.
And when Spartak Moscow visited for a Champions League clash in November 2010, officers spotted Russian supporters drinking outside and goading Chelsea fans as they walked past
At Hammersmith Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 28, La Reserve manager Hamid Jamal Nezam pleaded guilty to seven licence breaches.
He was fined £250 for each offence, making a total of £1,750 and ordered to pay the prosecution costs in the sum of £3,170.
Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “ I am delighted that La Reserve has got its comeuppance for flouting the regulations on numerous occasions. All drinking establishments have a duty to ensure that alcohol is consumed responsibly and does not lead to antisocial behaviour."
Parts of Fulham are already subject to a saturation zone which allows the council to refuse to grant a new licence or an extension of an existing one if it believes it would have a negative impact on the area.
March 16, 2012
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