Sidcup Greek Restaurant Seeks Return of Banned Worker Amid Police Safety Concerns
A Sidcup restaurant is attempting to bring back a former employee who was banned from working there following serious allegations of misconduct, including an incident where he allegedly grabbed a female customer by the neck and pretended to pour alcohol down her throat. The Greek Meze 2 at 299 Main Road in Sidcup has submitted an application to Bexley Council to remove a premises licence condition that prevents the man's employment, arguing that his absence has led to staffing pressures and a decline in customer feedback. However, both the Metropolitan Police and Bexley Council's licensing team have strongly objected, warning that overturning the ban could endanger women's safety at the establishment.
Background of the Ban and Alleged Incidents
In February 2025, Bexley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee imposed the ban based on police evidence detailing multiple concerning incidents. According to reports, the employee, who has been anonymised in council documents, was involved in "irresponsible" free pouring of alcoholic drinks directly into customers' mouths, which violates the Licensing Act 2003. Concerns about this behavior were first raised in December 2023.
More severely, police provided evidence of an alleged assault in September 2024, where the man reportedly grabbed a female customer by the neck and pretended to pour alcohol down her throat. In another incident in December 2024, he allegedly grabbed another female customer by the arms, attempted to dance with her without consent, and took a photograph of her. Despite the restaurant owner, Leonard Truni, promising immediate dismissal, the employee continued working for several months and was not fired until January 1, 2025.
Restaurant's Application and Justification
The Greek Meze 2 filed an application in January 2026 to revoke the ban, citing operational challenges since the employee's departure. The restaurant claims to have experienced staffing pressures and a notable drop in customer feedback related to hospitality and atmosphere. Additionally, they assert that over 300 customers signed a petition calling for his return and that the man has completed conflict management training and welfare and vulnerability engagement training since the ban.
In their premises licence application, the restaurant stated: "We fully acknowledge that the original condition restricting his return was offered at a challenging time and in good faith. Since then, however, substantial time has passed, and significant operational changes have been made." The application included several character references from customers and fellow employees, with one testimonial describing the man as the "life and soul" of the restaurant.
Police and Council Objections
The Metropolitan Police has vehemently opposed the application, citing ongoing safety concerns. PC Kate Allen, a Bexley police licensing officer, highlighted two further complaints received after the ban. In October 2025, a complaint alleged that the man was at the restaurant pressuring people to sign a petition for his return. In December 2025, another complaint led to a police investigation revealing that the banned man had been working again briefly, with Mr. Truni justifying this re-employment due to the busy Christmas period.
PC Allen warned: "If the man's ban was overturned, I would have no doubt that police would receive more complaints about him and more women will be made to feel unsafe at The Greek Meze 2." Bexley Council's licensing team also objected after a council health safety officer reported being "berated" by the banned man for not allowing him to work there. The objection noted that the officer was surprised by the "aggressive confrontational manner" of the approach.
Upcoming Decision and Implications
Bexley Council's Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to discuss the application on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The decision will weigh the restaurant's operational needs against public safety concerns, particularly regarding the protection of female customers. This case underscores the tension between business interests and regulatory enforcement in the hospitality sector, with potential implications for how similar incidents are handled in the future across London.
The outcome could set a precedent for licensing decisions involving employees with histories of misconduct, highlighting the importance of balancing rehabilitation opportunities with community safety. As the debate continues, local residents and authorities await the committee's ruling, which will determine whether the banned worker can return to his former role or if the ban will remain in place to prevent further incidents.
