Mayfair restaurant retains licence after stabbing incident

A Mayfair restaurant where a customer allegedly suffered a serious throat injury during an incident last month has been allowed to remain open, subject to a series of stricter licensing conditions. The decision was made by Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee following a full licensing review hearing.

The Mistress of Mayfair, in St James’s Street, voluntarily closed after the incident and subsequently had its premises licence temporarily suspended. The review followed an alleged attack in which Rhys Copas sustained a significant neck wound. A 28-year-old man, Lucci Guthrie, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.

During the hearing, licensing officers and Metropolitan Police raised concerns about the venue’s operation on the night in question. Issues highlighted included allegations that the premises had been operating in a manner akin to a nightclub and that the suspect’s identification had not been scanned on entry, despite a licence condition requiring this. Police also reported that not all door supervisors were wearing distinctive clothing.

Westminster City Council acknowledged that remedial action had been taken following the incident but emphasised that licensed premises are expected to comply with all licence conditions at all times.

After considering the evidence, the sub-committee permitted the venue to continue trading, while imposing additional conditions. These include earlier cessation of alcohol sales on Sundays, restrictions preventing the venue from operating as a dancefloor, and requirements to ensure security staff are clearly identifiable. The venue has also replaced its former general manager.

Representing The Mistress of Mayfair, licensing barrister Gary Grant, instructed by Lana Tricker of LT Law, told the committee that the operator’s overriding concern since the incident had been the welfare of the victim and ensuring the safety of customers. He said the business recognised that customer confidence was fundamental to its operation and that steps had been taken to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.