Sushi Co Awaits Decision on Late-Night Hot Food Delivery Licence

Application and Current Operations

The Sushi Co, which operates on Western Road in Brighton, currently delivers cold food to customers until 3am daily. The business does not require a late-night refreshment licence for cold food deliveries, but hot food deliveries require one.

The company applied for the licence and had already agreed draft conditions with Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council's licensing and environmental health teams before the hearing on Monday 2 November.

Neighbour Concerns

One objector, John Smith of Crown Street, told the panel of three councillors that residents had met their ward councillor Alison Thomson to discuss noise concerns beforehand.

Mr Smith told councillors Julie Cattell, Andrei Czolak and John Hewitt: "We will experience noise, whether it's mopeds, cars or electric bikes, from conversations and the acoustics in the area which the restaurant has no authority or control over. Although you might be able to put signage up or cameras up, it's not going to resolve the level of noise and anti-social behaviour that's going to be inevitable as a result of a 3am opening for deliveries."

Company Response

Sushi Co operations manager Mohammed Waqas said the business could ban delivery drivers who breached conditions from operating out of the shop and from working for third-party operators.

The company holds weekly meetings with delivery firms Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat to discuss issues across its 48 branches in the south east. At the Western Road location, drivers would be asked to wait inside before collecting food to reduce noise.

Mr Waqas said: "The third-party drivers are not employed by us but it's like we have a certain control over them. As soon as we receive complaints or anything, we take action and all the feedback is shared to the third parties on a regular and even daily basis."

Proposed Conditions

If granted, the licence would restrict entry to delivery drivers after 11pm, with dedicated staff managing the doors. Orders after 11pm would only be taken by telephone, app or website and delivered to private or work addresses only.

Delivery drivers would be required to park legally with engines switched off. Management would ensure drivers did not shout or sound horns to control noise from waiting couriers.

The panel retired to make its decision, which should be announced within five working days.

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