A South London restaurant loved by locals has blasted the local council for trying to revoke its booze licence.

A lawyer for the eatery accused a council officer of trying to “muddy the water” at a meeting on Wednesday morning.

Pierluigi’s restaurant in Beckenham may be at risk of losing its alcohol licence after noise complaints.

But locals have come to the defence of the eatery, calling it an “incredible asset” where they’ve enjoyed “many dear memories”.

At a Bromley Council meeting on December 7, David Dadds, a barrister representing Pierluigi’s, said the restaurant had only received one valid noise warning from the council, which the eatery was currently appealing.

The barrister also said the committee were being “misled” by council officer Steve Phillips, and that the officer should have used the council’s database to confirm whether complaints were caused by the restaurant.

Mr Dadds said: “[This application] lacks detail and evidence of noise nuisance complaints.

"It says we’ve had many complaints but doesn’t actually provide any details. It doesn’t say whether those complaints have been investigated.”

The barrister then said that Mr Phillips had only put “half the story” into the agenda pack for the meeting, saying that a bar facing the restaurant in Beckenham may have been the source of the complaints.

Mr Dadds said: “Officers, like members, should act in accordance with the known principles.

"They should be open, transparent and professional. So it is imperative that if the officer is putting information into your report that it is not half truths, because what else is missing?”

Mr Dadds also said a nuisance was only public when it affects a number of residents, not just an individual.

However, Mr Phillips said that council officers had the power to identify nuisances when it is in their opinion.

The officer said: “It appears to be I’m being cross-examined here rather than asked questions.”

The barrister also said he felt “ambushed” and had never been to such a “biased” hearing in his life.

He said the committee should not allow council officer Steve Phillips to raise points not included in the agenda pack.

He said: “Don’t give him special treatment because he’s the manager. He should be treated as I’m being treated.”

After threatening to leave the council chamber twice, Mr Dadds said the licensing committee “might as well be sitting with” Mr Phillips. He said the officer had 19 months to resolve the issues with the restaurant before the meeting took place.

The barrister said: “You’ve done nothing, other than come here and try to muddy the water, and give half truths and no evidence to this committee. It’s unacceptable behaviour.”

Customers of the restaurant said they were “concerned” for Pierluigi’s, calling it an “incredible asset” to Beckenham.

Michele Ward said: “I am lucky enough to have used the above-named establishment for over 20 years and have many dear memories of my dearly departed mother enjoying numerous dinner parties here.”

At the end of the meeting, the licensing committee said that they would make a decision on Pierluigi’s restaurant after the meeting, given the points raised.

They told Mr Dadds that a decision would be sent to the license holder within five working days.

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