Review after officers raise concerns

Police are recommending the licence is revoked or at least suspended for three months.

The report said: “In the last two years, police have been notified of a total of 16 incidents at or connected to the venue including a total of 12 disturbances, two recorded assaults, an incident of ‘threats’ and one of theft.

“Given that the premises did not notify police themselves regarding the incident on October 7 and instead chose to involve themselves, there is a strong possibility that the crime figures only show a glimpse of the levels of ‘crime and disorder’ at this venue.

“Police have concerns that allowing the premises to continue in its current form will put the public at risk.”

The report recommends imposing ‘conflict management’ training on the staff.

A decision over the premises licence will be made at an ABC licensing sub committee meeting today (Thursday).

Mr Ahmadzai was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon.

He admitted having a baseball bat but there was no evidence to suggest it had been used to make threats or cause injuries. He was issued with a caution and released without charge.

In the report, it says Mr Ahmadzai was asked if there was an ongoing feud between staff at the Cod Father and others involved in the fight, to which he replied “no they are good people, they are our customers”.

Police asked him why staff members did not go back inside and lock the doors during the disturbance.

Mr Ahmadzai said he did tell them to do that and he went on to say “if someone tried to punch you with knuckle dusters, you’d try to defend yourself”.

Mr Ahmadzai declined to comment further on the matter when approached by the Kentish Express.