COLCHESTER’S Silk Road bar has been ordered to close for three months while tough new licensing restrictions are put in place.

However, the closure does not come into force for 21 days and because owner Osman Rasih will appeal against the decision, it will remain open.

Colchester Council’s licensing committee reviewed the licence after a request from Essex Police and decided the bar contributes to antisocial behaviour.

Mr Rasih said: “The fact they want to remove me personally is the biggest shock.

“Anyone who comes into Silk Road knows how professional my staff are.

“But I understand where the police are coming from in ensuring the safety of people on a night out.

“I realise things need to be looked at in the town, but I feel they’ve have been knocking on the wrong door.”

Read the full story and see the full list of licensing restrictions in today's Gazette.