The saga of Mojoes and the misery caused by many of its customers is a warning to us all.

Working with residents it has taken years to begin winning our streets back for our community.

When Mojoes first started it took over an existing pub licence. We opposed the licence, but it was granted as there was no evidence that it would be a problem. We were right to be concerned !

Complaints rolled in when Mojoes opened !

Residents logged evidence of anti social behaviour. We got a Licence Review. Together with residents, we argued for a cut in hours. Faced with the evidence the Licensing Committee agreed. Mojoes appealed to the Magistrates Court. Without telling us, secret discussions took place between the Council and Mojoes. One Friday afternoon we got a phone call from an embarrassed officer, saying the Council had settled with Mojoes. Residents had been sold out without warning or explanation.

 We were angry, but like the residents we did not give up.

More evidence was collected for another Licence Review. This time the violence that was happening around Mojoes was a key issue. Once again the Licensing Committee decided to cut Mojoes’ hours.

When Mojoes appealed we insisted the Council made no further deals with them. At the appeal we gave evidence together with residents, the police and council officers. The District Judge turned down their appeal and made Mojoes pay the Council’s legal costs.

Mojoes then appealed to the High Court for a Judicial Review, saying the Council had made procedural errors. In court again with residents, we were delighted when it ruled against Mojoes.

Once more they were ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs. Even now Mojoes are threatening further legal action, though most recently we have heard that the Courts have ordered Mojoes to put up the money for the costs they have already incurred before they will be allowed to appeal further.