High levels of theft and violent crime are blighting an area where a restaurant owner wants a licence to serve alcohol.

The owner of the Mona Lisa, in Brighton's St James’s Street, has applied to sell alcohol to customers who are having a meal.

At a Brighton and Hove City Council licensing panel hearing on Thursday, Sussex Police licensing officer Hannah Staplehurst said that the application did not mention security staff even though the location gave rise to concerns about drink-related crime and disorder.

A total of 645 crimes were recorded in the area between January 2023 and January 2024.

The force and the council said they had “no confidence” in owner Cem Ince after a couple of incidents.

Mr Ince's agent Derya Teke said security would be considered if it was necessary to meet the conditions.

The panel retired to make their decision which should be made public within five working days.