Police opposing premises licence for Fusion Bites restaurant in Blackpool
“We are going to install CCTV cameras in the premises to make sure we keep an eye on all events.”
Police are objecting to a Blackpool restaurant and takeaway’s late night premises licence application after raising safety concerns.
Fusion Bites, based at 54 Talbot Road, submitted an application to Blackpool Council to obtain a premises licence for the first time.
Applicants CM worldwide Ltd have requested permission for the provision of late night refreshment, covering Monday to Sunday between the hours of 11pm and 5am, with opening hours from 8am through to 5am each Monday to Sunday.
The applicants have made it clear the licence will not be used to allow alcohol or live music, but simply to provide food at a later hour each night.
However, Lancashire Police say the establishment’s lack of experience in late night opening in a busy location surrounded by bars, coupled with the lack of CCTV and door staff, means there is a genuine concern about crime and disorder.
What applicants say
As part of the application, one of the applicants, Muhammad Kashif, said of the efforts to prevent crime and disorder : “We are going to install CCTV cameras in the premises to make sure we keep an eye on all events and if something happens we would be able to report to police and help with evidence through the CCTV.
“We have separated the entrance from the sitting area for eating in, to make sure of public safety, especially people sitting in.
“Moreover CCTV camera is going to be installed outside to keep an eye on the events outside.”
What police say
Objecting to the application, Police Sgt Nat Cox said: “On behalf of the Chief Officer of Police, I make a formal objection to this application.
“The location is not currently licensed and should therefore not be serving hot food after 2300 hours (11pm).
“It has no CCTV at the location, and it would appear the applicant has no experience in running a late-night venue or the potential risks that this brings.
“The applicant has not offered door staff at any time, despite the location of the venue being close to several bars and clubs that hold late night alcohol licences.
“Blackpool unfortunately suffers from high levels of alcohol-related crime, disorder and ASB, especially late at night.
“This is especially prevalent in the centre of town, in the area previously covered by the cumulative impact zone.
“This lack of experience and failure to offer any meaningful conditions casts grave doubts over the licence holder’s ability to safely manage the premises and to uphold the licensing objectives.”
The statement adds: “Of even more concern, on Saturday June 27 2026 at around 02.42 hours the applicant, Mohammed Zubair, rang Police to report criminal damage at the venue.
“The log was recorded as follows: ‘Informant works at a restaurant — there was a male in the restaurant with his partner – male was asked to leave, this male smashed the till — and then punched informant in the face — and then hit his girlfriend — this has happened in last 5 minutes’.
“A crime report was recorded for the venue, including an assault against Zubair and criminal damage.“An additional assault was recorded against another staff member, Waseem ALI. Due to the lack of CCTV, both investigations had to be closed without the suspect being identified.
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“As a result of suspicions over the venue being open without a licence, Sergeant Cox checked the premises at 2330 on Saturday 25th July 2026.
“The venue had 6 customers in, all waiting for food. Waseem ALI was working and admitted to Sgt Cox that he was open without a licence.
“He said they “usually” closed on time and admitted that they should not be serving after 2300 hours. Of note, Ali asked Sgt Cox if this meant they should close now.
“He was advised that he was currently breaking the law by being open. Ali subsequently closed the premises. I have attempted to phone and email the applicant but have had no answer.
“This further casts doubt over his ability to run a licensed premises. There is clear evidence that the venue has been open after hours on two occasions in the last month alone.
“If this application is granted, it is our belief it would seriously undermine the licensing objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder. We do not believe that the applicant is a suitable person to hold a premises licence and ask that the application is rejected.”
The application is due to go before Blackpool Council’s licensing panel on Thursday September 10.