Mistress of Mayfair restaurant can stay open after stabbing
Westminster City Council imposes new conditions on the venue following an incident where a man was injured.
Incident → evidence → outcomeThe Mistress of Mayfair, a high-end restaurant in St James’s Street, Mayfair, has been allowed to continue trading. Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the venue’s licence following an incident on August 10th. The venue had its licence temporarily suspended by the council following the event.
During the incident, Rhys Copas sustained a significant throat wound measuring 8cm, which exposed his voice box and damaged nerves. Police were called to the venue at 12:20am on the night of August 10th. Lucci Guthrie, 28, has since been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident and is due to appear at the Old Bailey.
New Licence Conditions
Following a full licensing hearing on Monday, the restaurant was permitted to resume operations under a new set of conditions. These restrictions include ending alcohol sales earlier on Sundays, preventing the venue from being used as a dance floor, and ensuring security staff are easily identifiable through distinctive clothing. The restaurant’s former General Manager has also been replaced.
Licensing officers and police had raised concerns about the venue’s operation on the night of the incident. It was noted that the premises had been operating “in effect been operating like a nightclub”. Police also found that the suspect’s identification had not been scanned upon entry, which was a condition of the restaurant’s licence.
A representative for Westminster City Council stated that the premises holder on the night did not meet the expected standards for a venue in Westminster. They commended the immediate remedial action taken but emphasised the expectation of compliance with licence conditions at all times. The legal counsel for the applicant, Gary Grant, stated that the client’s primary concern has been for the victim and ensuring customer safety.
What Happens Next
Lucci Guthrie, who faces the attempted murder charge, is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey this week. The Mistress of Mayfair must now operate under the newly imposed conditions to maintain its licence.
Questions this report answers
01Can the Mistress of Mayfair restaurant still operate?
Yes, the Mistress of Mayfair restaurant can continue to operate. Westminster City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the venue's licence following an incident and decided it could remain open, subject to new conditions.
02What new conditions have been placed on the restaurant's licence?
New conditions include ending alcohol sales earlier on Sundays, prohibiting the venue from being used as a dance floor, and ensuring security staff wear distinctive clothing. The former General Manager has also been replaced.
03What happened at the restaurant on August 10th?
On August 10th, an incident occurred where Rhys Copas sustained an 8cm throat wound. Lucci Guthrie, 28, has been charged with attempted murder in relation to this event.
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