MKFM understands that Atesh, based in Central Milton Keynes, has closed following months of issues.
A sign, issued by a Milton Keynes-based law firm, can be seen in the window of the Central MK Turkish restaurant, which opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
'The landlord of these premises has today re-entered therein in accordance with his power to do so and as a consequence of such re-entry the premises have been secured' the sign reads; 'and further take notice that no person may lawfully enter on to these premises unless they have been authorised [by the landlord]'.
It comes after months of issues for the restaurant. Shortly after its opening, in August 2020, the Turkish was hugely affected by the closure of Grafton Street, which remained closed for 5 months while a new lane and traffic light system was installed.
In December of 2021, a murder investigation was launched by Thames Valley Police following a fatal stabbing which took place in the early hours of December 27th.
Two men in their twenties were taken to hospital with serious injuries at around 1.30am, Thames Valley Police believe the men were assaulted at the Atesh venue.
Sadly, on the 28th December, 28-year-old Nagiib Maxamed from Milton Keynes, sadly died in hospital the following day. A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death a stab wound to the chest. Five arrests were made in the following days.
The murder investigation led to Thames Valley Police appealing for the restaurant's license to be suspended. The owner faced the council as police outlined their reasoning behind the urgent request on January 4th, where a decision was made to suspend the venues license with immediate effect.
The local authority found during the meeting that the licensing objectives for the prevention of crime and disorder and of public safety were "not being met”. It heard from TVP that the management failed to immediately release CCTV footage when requested by officers.
The application made by the police said how staff failed to immediately report the incident to emergency services, and the council also heard from police how management failed to close down the event in which the incident occurred, and only did so when police insisted so as to “preserve the scene”.
On January 6th, the restaurant reopened for 'bring your own booze' dining and entertainment. The restaurant did eventually get it's license back following the suspension.
The reason behind the landlords decision to re-enter the property is not yet confirmed. MKFM has contacted the law firm for more information and will update the website once more news is available.
WATCH AGAIN: Watch the Licensing Sub-Committee and hear evidence from Atesh and Police in Milton Keynes
