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Merlins gets its licence back - but as a restaurant

Merlins Entertainment Complex on Sheppey has been allowed to reopen - but with a series of new conditions.

The pub and function hall in Leysdown Road, Leysdown, had its licence suspended after its owners initially failed to provide police with CCTV footage of an assault which took place outside the premises on July 9.

The provision of CCTV was a requirement of its licence.

Merlins Entertainment Complex, Leysdown
Merlins Entertainment Complex, Leysdown

Swale council revoked the licence on July 17 after submissions by police but on Tuesday councillors allowed the business to reopen providing the bar is turned into a restaurant.

The hall was allowed to open for a pre-booked wedding, school prom night and tomorrow’s Little Mix tribute show In The Mix.

New conditions

Alcohol can only be served with a table meal within the restaurant or function room.

The restaurant's opening hours are 10am to 11.30pm.

A minimum of two security staff must be on duty whenever the function room is open.

The venue must have a written drugs policy including a structured training policy for all staff.

Police Inspector Craig West said: “I’m very pleased we were able to work with the management to reach an agreement on proposed changes.

“I am confident these changes and the new licence conditions imposed by Swale council will further improve the safety of the community and visiting tourists while allowing businesses to flourish.”

Live entertainment this Saturday
Live entertainment this Saturday

Merlins’ Facebook page says it is hoping to open the new restaurant within two weeks and adds: “Our main hall is running exactly the same with weddings, functions and Christmas shows.”

Tickets for tomorrow night’s Little Mix tribute show are £15. Also booked is comedian Jimmy Jones.

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