Blackpool Council issues update on forced closure of popular restaurant Quilligans in Church Street
Council bosses described the closure of the long running business as “a real shame” but said “not paying rent isn’t fair on the other businesses”.
Council bosses said they “were left with no option” but to terminate the lease and gain entry to a Blackpool restaurant.
The owners of Quilligans restaurant in Church Street which has been running for 23 years - including nine from its current location near Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens - said they were devastated to discover they have been forced to stop trading with immediate effect after Blackpool Council terminated their lease and changed the locks.
Leaders at Blackpool Council described the closure of the long running business as “a real shame” but said “not paying rent isn’t fair on the other businesses”.
In an emotional statement, the operators of Quilligans said they had not chosen to walk away and would be “doing everything they can” to explore their options.”
Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said: “Nobody wants to see businesses close. However, Quilligans is in significant rent arrears.
“Managing down the debt might have been possible, however the owners haven’t engaged with us about their issues. If they had, we would have listened and tried to find a solution for them to pay it back.
“Not paying rent isn’t fair on the other businesses that do, so we were left with no option but to terminate the lease and gain entry. It is a real shame to see a long-standing business like Quilligans close, more than anything for the staff who work there.”
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Quilligans said they had received lots of messages of support.
A spokesman said: “We are absolutely heartbroken to share that, with immediate effect, we are currently unable to open our doors.
“Following ongoing matters involving our premises and Blackpool Council, the locks to the café have been changed today, without our knowledge,meaning we are no longer able to access or operate from the business.
“After 23 years of building this business, and 9 years at our current premises, this is understandably devastating for our family.
“As many of you know there are ongoing legal matters which we are continuing to deal with, and we are taking professional advice on the situation.
“We want to thank every single customer who has supported us, visited us, celebrated special occasions with us and helped make Quilligans what it is today.
“We are incredibly grateful for the messages and support already received. Please know that we have not chosen to walk away from our business, and we are doing everything we can to understand the situation and explore our options.
“We will keep everyone updated when we are able to share more.”