A North West London bar has had its alcohol licence suspended for three months after complaints of late-night music and customers being attacked with sticks. 

Vybz Bar, in Craven Park Road, Harlesden, will not be able to serve alcohol until the end of November after Brent Council’s licensing committee said it must improve. 

The club was previously allowed to remain open till 3 am, but must now close an hour earlier. It will also not be allowed to serve drinks after 1.30am. 

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The decision was taken after licensing officer John McGann took note of the complaints by locals that the club stayed open past its permitted hours and played loud music long after closing time. 

Videos of people leaving the bar after 4.30am were shown to councillors. People were seen lingering outside on the pavement, while others played music in their cars. 

On a few occasions in May and June, fights were reported to have broken out at the entrance of the premises. 

In one instance, two men, who had previously been “banned” by the bar, attacked the place with wooden sticks, reportedly forcing customers to hide inside. 

Cllr Diana Collymore told club manager Emmanuel Samuel: “It’s your business, it’s your livelihood. One has to look after their livelihood, and their customers.”

Cllr Janice Long also pointed out that some of the posters and ads posted on social media by the bar didn’t have an end time. 

She said: “You are not allowed to let people in after 12pm, does this not confuse the visitors who come after that time?”

Mr. Samuel maintained that his club, which he manages with his wife, abided by the council rules and that most people leaving the premises after closing hours were the employees. 

He said they were “the real victims here”, and that most issues in the area relate to other properties.

Mr Samuel added: “We are just a regular couple running a business. If you revoke our licence, all the people will lose their jobs.”

As well as the suspension and the change of hours, the club must appoint a new licence holder and introduce a strict queuing and dispersal policy to address anti-social behaviour.

Vybz has been in business since 2017 and holds a ‘Vybz Friday’ night every week where popular names like DJ Whizz and Scamma play. The club has more than 15 staff members currently and some temp workers.