Kebab shop staff 'chased customer with knives'

A kebab restaurant is at risk of losing its licence after staff armed with knives chased a customer into the street, and separately were seen with replica guns.

North Wales Police has applied for the licence of Efes Kebab House in Colwyn Bay to be reviewed, saying its owner failed to abide by conditions, including to prevent crime and disorder and to maintain public safety.

Conwy councillors heard how in August staff with knives chased a customer who threw sauce and a soft drink can at them, and in October police were called after staff were seen with "imitation firearms".

Owner Bilgin Odemis asked for it to remain open, and he "100% guarantees" such incidents would not happen again.

The committee heard that the knife incident was early on 17 August. After the customer was chased, another member of staff then stood outside the shop armed with a knife, police said.

"The decision to utilise knives, to pursue customers away from the premises in a vehicle and to intimidate customers with knives as a means of resolution is beyond any means which may be considered reasonable," said a report to a licensing sub-committee meetings.

"There could have been serious injury or even death to individuals," said Aaron Haggas, police licensing officer, adding that "knife crime cannot and should not be tolerated as part of the licensed economy".

Police were also called to the shop at just before 04:00 on 10 October when staff members were seen in possession of imitation firearms.

"Premises who choose to take the law into their own hands should understand the consequences of their actions," Mr Haggas said.

He added that the public "can be challenging", and steps can be taken to tackle issues, but that the actions taken by staff "far exceed what can be considered an appropriate and reasonable course of action".

He added that the actions were "very much an over-reaction to a very low-level threat", adding that the "misuse and tomfoolery involving an imitation firearm is unacceptable".

Mr Odemis, in a statement, said: "Hand on heart, I'm thinking of the business and family as well.

"I 100% guarantee I stop any more hurt like this.

"Next time, you can cut off the licence straight away.

Please just give us more options and (let me) stay and keep open."

The committee has until 24 December to make a decision on the licence.