The Marathon in Chalk Farm Road loses appeal to sell late night booze

Published: 2nd June, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

A POPULAR kebab shop favoured by late-night revellers for its bohemian atmosphere has lost a High Court appeal that will mean it can no longer sell alcohol into the early hours.

The Marathon in Chalk Farm Road is a favourite for legions of fans who head there during nights out in Camden Town.

But instead of selling booze until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, the party will now end at midnight. During the rest of the week sales of alcohol must end at 11.30pm. 

The Marathon fell foul of police and council licensing chiefs 18 months ago when complaints about late-night disturbances led to the hours it could sell beer and wine being curtailed.

After an appeal against the Town Hall decision in magistrates’ courts, last Thursday’s High Court case was effectively the last chance to win more hours. In court, Marathon’s legal team argued that fewer hours had made the business “unviable” and at risk of closure.

It had previously been known as the hippest place to buy a late kebab with Back To Black singer Amy Winehouse a former regular customer.

Abbas Boyraz, the restaurant’s manager, said the restrictions on the business had been “irrational” and not based on a fair assessment of the operation. But Mrs Justice Raffety ruled the Town Hall decision had been “based on police records, not tittle tattle”.

The case arose after neighbours claimed disturbances at the Marathon were causing them sleepless nights. One claimed he was woken at least two or three times a night. 

Mrs Justice Raffety’s ruling said the magistrate who had set the restriction had not acted unfairly.