Heavy Fine for Caribbean Vybez Restaurant Owner
Found to be selling alcohol at West Ealing venue with no licence
Alcohol on display at the premises and a sign outside promoting cocktails. Picture: Ealing Council
November 14, 2025
A West Ealing restaurant has been fined more than £26,000 after repeatedly serving alcohol without a licence, despite multiple warnings from Ealing Council. Caribbean Vybez, located on Uxbridge Road, and its sole director Jerome Eccleston were found guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 14 October 2025 of carrying out licensable activities without a premises licence.
The court ordered Caribbean Vybez Limited to pay £16,515 for nine separate charges, including court costs and a victim surcharge. Mr Eccleston, of Dabbs Hill Lane, Northolt, was personally fined £9,915 for the same offences. He now holds a criminal record.
The case followed a series of enforcement visits by council officers, beginning in February 2024 when a member of the public reported that the venue was selling alcohol and playing loud music without the appropriate licence. During an initial visit in April 2024, officers found alcohol being served and music playing. Mr Eccleston claimed he had a temporary event notice (TEN) but was unable to provide documentation. He was advised to remove the alcohol immediately.
Despite this, further unannounced inspections in July and August 2024 revealed ongoing breaches. Officers observed customers leaving with takeaway food and alcohol, bottles behind the counter, and a DJ playing music. A final warning was issued, but the venue continued to operate in defiance of licensing laws.
In January 2025, council officers returned with police and again found alcohol on display and loud music playing. With previous warnings ignored, the council proceeded with prosecution.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, condemned the repeated violations. “Businesses have a responsibility to operate legally and responsibly,” she said. “Those failing to meet their obligations should know that we will always take decisive action to uphold safety standards and protect our residents.”
She added, “Operations like this are a warning to businesses that might be tempted to break the law. In this case, the business operated as if it was above the law and ignored repeated warnings. Reputable businesses and residents can be confident that we will always take the strongest action to put things right.”
Caribbean Vybez has not commented publicly on the verdict.
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