Key Points
- Mangia Tutto, a West London pizza shop, had its premises licence revoked by Westminster City Council’s licensing committee on November 6.
- The revocation followed breaches of the alcohol licence during Notting Hill Carnival and aggressive behaviour by staff towards inspectors.
- Police and council inspectors reported staff intimidation, uncooperativeness, and possible links to organised crime.
- Inspectors found serious food hygiene issues including mouse droppings and out-of-date food products.
- The licence holder and designated premises supervisor appear to have no ties to the business; new owners are unresponsive to council and police contacts.
- The premises was operating late beyond its licence closing time and supplying alcohol improperly.
- The committee found no other suitable action than licence revocation given evidence from responsible authorities.
- Mangia Tutto did not attend the licensing committee meeting or submit representations.
- Efforts to contact the licence holder failed, and evidence suggests he is not connected with the business legally.
What led to Mangia Tutto’s licence revocation?
As reported by Westminster City Council’s licensing committee, the decision to revoke Mangia Tutto’s licence was made during its meeting on November 6, citing clear breaches of licensing conditions and failure to uphold licensing objectives. The committee’s written decision stated that the premises had breached “numerous” conditions and intimidated inspectors, effectively operating without supervision as neither the licence holder (PLH) nor the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) had apparent connections to the venue at Bishop’s Bridge Road.
The committee evaluated whether any lesser measures than revocation could be effective but concluded that
“based on the evidence provided the Committee did not have any faith that the PLH would uphold the licensing objectives if any steps other than revocation were taken.”
The committee deemed revocation necessary, appropriate, and proportionate.
How did police describe the staff’s behaviour during inspections?
Gabriel Nelson, representing the Metropolitan Police, which requested the licence review, reported that staff at Mangia Tutto became “obstructive and uncooperative” with police and council inspectors. According to Mr Nelson, staff intimidated officers by summoning bouncers to the premises. The police received multiple reports of fights, assaults on bailiffs, and drug-dealing linked to the venue. Mr Nelson also raised concerns over the premises possibly being operated by individuals connected to organised crime.
What food hygiene issues were found at the pizza shop?
A senior council food, health and safety officer detailed the poor hygiene standards found at Mangia Tutto during inspections. The team discovered mouse droppings and a dead mouse beneath a fridge. Staff reportedly could not identify who was responsible for food hygiene. Inspectors also found out-of-date pasta and sausages, along with generally poor cleaning conditions. Despite a notice being served to the premises, it was later removed by staff.
Did Mangia Tutto respond to the licensing committee or inspections?
Mangia Tutto did not attend the licensing committee hearing on November 6, nor did it submit any written representations regarding the licence review. The committee was informed that the premises might be under new ownership and that the venue is currently closed for renovations. Both police and council officers stated that they made multiple attempts to contact the new owners, but received no response.
What incidents of licence breaches were reported during Notting Hill Carnival?
A council report recorded an incident on August 25 when inspectors arrived at Mangia Tutto at 3:30 am, about three and a half hours after the venue’s licensed closing time. Customers were found eating and drinking outside. When officers entered and identified themselves, a male occupant became “hostile” and refused to provide details or show the premises licence.
Inspectors also found boxes of Heineken, Corona, and Magners for sale outside. The man claimed these beers were for his own consumption and that the premises was closed at the time of inspection. He then removed the boxes and shut the premises.
Council and police accused Mangia Tutto of breaching its licence by supplying alcohol to people without being restricted to table meals and failing to provide CCTV access to officers.
How did staff respond to subsequent police visits?
On September 12, Met Police visited the restaurant after a request from Westminster City inspectors. The officers were met by a man who became “argumentative and aggressive,” refusing to disclose his employment status at the premises. Another staff member behind the counter also refused to provide personal details.
When police requested CCTV footage, it became apparent that the staff member did not know how to access it and was unaware of the premises licence holder.
During the visit, a “larger build” man arrived in a vehicle, claimed to be security for multiple venues, and assumed the role of representing the owner. He refused to answer questions or provide contact information, further escalating the intimidation.
Who is the licence holder, and what is known about ownership?
Police and council investigations suggest that the registered licence holder has no actual affiliation with Mangia Tutto. Despite attempts to contact the licence holder, no responses have been received. Moreover, there was no record of the individual’s name at Companies House, indicating that they are not officially linked to the business.
This absence of accountable management contributed heavily to the decision by the licensing committee that the premises was operating without proper oversight.
