The owner of a Frinton bistro, who may be prosecuted after defying advice not to hold a funk night, is to go ahead with another event.

Barry Fox, who owns Vinari Bistro in Connaught Avenue, ran the first of his club nights last Friday. But Tendring Council was not amused and is now planning to prosecute.

A council spokesman said: "The council's solicitor has been authorised to institute a prosecution."

Any prosecution would relate to a breach of public entertainment licence law. Councillors decided to prosecute after a private meeting of the licensing sub-committee and the council's solicitor will now examine the matter to look to build a case.

Mr Fox defied advice that he needed a licence for the nights as he said the event was for private members and did not require one.

He said he would carry on with his nights and was waiting to hear from Tendring Council as to why he needed a licence.

He added: "We have got no live music, no dancing, no karaoke and no talent show. The kids want somewhere to meet."

And tonight (Friday) he is planning to do the same again. He said visitors would be in the bar area to start with and listen to the music being played on a stereo. They would later have a sit-down meal in the restaurant.

Mr Fox said Tendring Council had acted "very unreasonably" and thought the matter had been made worse as his business is in the town's prestigious Connaught Avenue.

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