Karen's Diner closes site after traces of drugs found on baby changing table
Karen's Diner has terminated its contract with a franchisee and will close its Brighton restaurant after police found high drug readings in areas including a baby changing table.
Concerns had also been raised about the removal of CCTV at the venue, a lack of staff training and a report of inappropriate behaviour relating to a phrase written on a hat worn by a child.
The restaurant will close from Monday 4 March ahead of a licensing review, which is scheduled for Tuesday 5 March.
Karen's Diner group, which is famous for creating an immersive theatrical experience with deliberately rude staff, said: "Our restaurants are intended to offer outrageously funny experiences, and never to cause offence.
"Clearly the restaurant has operated outside of our guidelines and this is unacceptable.
"We take this opportunity of thanking the thousands of people that have been brave enough to visit and we share their disappointment as we announce this closure."
Traces of cocaine were found by police in locations in the men's toilets, women's toilets and in various spots in the disabled toilet, including a baby changing table.
Lower readings of heroin, MDMA and ketamine were also found at the venue.
Police said the high readings were indicative of "recent and direct contact with measurable quantities of the narcotic".
A police report submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council's Licensing committee read: "There are some very high readings and most alarmingly a reading of 5.41 for cocaine on the baby changing table.
"During changing the baby's fingers could contact the surface where drugs had been consumed then place their fingers in their mouth causing possible harm."
The venue's license was suspended by the council on 9 February ahead of Tuesday's meeting, when councillors cited "a culture of disregard" for its conditions.
In relation to the incident where an offensive comment was written on a child's hat, the council's interim review read: "We acknowledge that the character of the business has an element of rudeness but consider that lines have been crossed with regard to what is appropriate to the welfare of children."
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also submitted evidence to the licensing committee that the business had failed to take adequate action after an inspection highlighted areas of non-compliance regarding fire safety.
Karen's Diner was launched in Sydney, Australia in 2021 by themed events business Viral Ventures Global and has opened UK restaurants in Barnet, Birmingham, Leicester, London, Manchester and Sheffield.
Photo: Karen's Diner
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