Future of Guildford takeaway with 'chequered past' at risk

Charcoal Grill is on the one-way system in Guildford

Councillors are to consider revoking the licence of a Guildford takeaway which has a "chequered history" with regards to late night violence.

Police have raised concerns to Guildford Borough Council about a "long history of serious assaults" in and around Charcoal Grill in Park Street.

A meeting held this week could see the licence modified, suspended or revoked.

The licence holder has submitted evidence of staff refusing alcohol sales on deliveries, and of training.

Surrey Police, which is calling for the shop's licence to be revoked, point to previous disorder near the takeaway in its submissions.

It referred to a manslaughter in October 2019, and five incidents in 2023, including a stabbing of two male victims on 8 July.

The current licence has "stringent conditions" that no new customers should be allowed in after 03:00 and all customers must leave by 03:15.

The council, as the licensing authority, said in its representation that late-night takeaways were "traditionally well-known flash points for incidents after customers leave bars and clubs in search of food".

The submission continued: "The premises has a chequered history with disorder associated with the premises which culminated in the revocation of the previous licence in 2013 under previous management."

The council meeting is to be held on Wednesday.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].