"A family-run South London restaurant facing a multi-million pound fine for installing an extractor fan without permission has raised almost 20,000 in its bid to fight back. A POCA is often used to crack down on serious organised crime or individuals committing crimes such as fraud or money laundering, taking back profits from illegal activities. A Lewisham Council spokesperson said their decision to pursue a Confiscation Order "came from the importance of discouraging criminal offending"."
"The brothers say they decided to install a 50,000 extraction system at their restaurant on Lewisham Way after a neighbour had complained about cooking smells and noise coming from the kitchen. According to a GoFundMe page which has been set up on behalf of the brothers, they had applied for planning permission but it was refused by the council. They kept the extractor fan in place because they believed "it was more important to keep peace with their neighbours and maintain the restaurant's reputation"."
Ahmet and Sahin Gok, owners of a family-run restaurant on Lewisham Way, face a multi-million-pound confiscation claim under POCA after installing an extractor fan without planning permission. The brothers installed a £50,000 extraction system following a neighbour's complaint about cooking smells and noise and say they applied for planning permission, which was refused. They kept the extractor to avoid upsetting neighbours and protect the restaurant's reputation. Lewisham Council says the brothers failed to remove the system after an appeal was dismissed and did not propose an alternative. A court hearing proceeded in their absence, resulting in frozen business accounts and seized passports, while a GoFundMe seeks nearly £20,000 for legal costs and staff protection.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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