Hastings BC’s Licensing Committee has revoked the alcohol licence of the Bella Bar on George Street. Licensing officers reported that the venue, which had been granted its licence as a cafe/restaurant, had repeatedly violated the conditions by selling alcohol without table service and allowing drinks outside after 10pm.

Paul McLaughlin
Ali Altmis outside Bella Bar

Stewart Bryant, Hastings BC’s Senior Licensing Officer told the hearing that the licence holder, Ali Altmis, had turned the venue into a bar and disregarded the rules.

Mr. Altmis expressed his “deep disappointment” with the Licensing Committee’s decision. He said he “accepted” responsibility for the violations and had already implemented measures to prevent them from happening again. However, he said these had been ignored by the Committee.

He told HIP that whilst he had initially decided to appeal the decision, he had “on reflection” decided to sell the lease. He said he was “angry and disappointed” at the lack of support given to hospitality businesses in the town and to those in George Street in particular. “Businesses are really struggling with rising operational costs and unpredictable customer demand to the point that many of them are finding it increasingly difficult to stay afloat.” The Licensing Committee’s decision, he added, “was indicative of the lack of support given to hospitality businesses from the authorities.”


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/News_Ali-Altmis-1024x680.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/News_Ali-Altmis-150x150.jpgHIPNewsBella Bar,George Street,Hastings Borough Council,Licensing Committee,Stewart BryantHastings BC’s Licensing Committee has revoked the alcohol licence of the Bella Bar on George Street. Licensing officers reported that the venue, which had been granted its licence as a cafe/restaurant, had repeatedly violated the conditions by selling alcohol without table service and allowing drinks outside after 10pm. Paul McLaughlinAli...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper