Liverpool Council has already knocked back one bid for the business to open later
Famous 8 on Byrom Street
A takeaway on the edge of Liverpool city centre could find itself in bother with the city council after it was found to be selling hot food way beyond its permitted time for at least two years. Without a specific licence to do so, businesses are not allowed to sell hot food or refreshments beyond 11pm across the city.
However, proprietors at Famous 8 on Byrom Street appear to have been doing just that, while also trying to secure the required approval from the local authority. According to documents released ahead of a showdown meeting with Liverpool Council officials, the business has already been turned down once to serve hot food into the late hours.
Additionally, planning permission means it can only operate until midnight. Despite this, the business – which claims to serve the best food in the city – has seemingly continued to flout the rules since 2022, putting it under the spotlight of Merseyside Police’s licensing team who have refused to back the application owing to issues around public nuisance and disorder.
The takeaway, which is situated among student accommodation and university buildings, is seeking approval to trade until 3am. This has immediately prompted a response from Sgt Craig Carmichael from Merseyside Police’s licensing unit.
In a written submission objecting to the plans, he said: “Merseyside Police were already aware that this premises had been trading. At 1.08am on Sunday October 27, 2024, police licensing officers have noticed the lights on at this premises with customers and staff inside.
“A visit was conducted which found members of the public who had just purchased hot food beyond 11pm. There was no temporary event notice in place.
“The manager was spoken to at this time, initially attempting to deny any wrongdoing.” Sgt Carmichael said officials from the takeaway went on to admit in a separate police interview they had circumvented the rules since January 2022 “due to lack of knowledge of the licensing act.”
The officer’s statement said this was a “blatant disregard for the legislation.” An initial application for the late night licence was already knocked back just days before officers visited Famous 8 after hours.
Saad Saeed, who owns Famous 8 with his wife, said he hoped the council would “give me a chance.” He said: “When I spoke to the police I explained I didn’t know there was a late night licence and I had made a mistake.
“We are trying our best. If we don’t get the licence I will sell the business and the people who work for me, my wife and I, will be jobless.” The fresh bid will be considered alongside the police representation on January 17 at the Cunard Building.