A popular Birmingham restaurant and cocktail bar has been forced to close its doors indefinitely following the tragic death of a man in an alleged attack directly outside the venue.
Tragic Incident Leads to Immediate Suspension
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, outside the Savanna restaurant and cocktail bar on Bristol Street. Joshua Johnson-Hector, aged 31, suffered a serious head injury. He was treated by paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service, who were called at 4.30am, and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Sadly, he died the following afternoon on Monday, December 29.
In connection with the death, Richard Deakin, 37, of Moorfield Drive, Halesowen, has been charged with manslaughter. He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 30, and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at Birmingham Crown Court.
Police Action and Licence Review
West Midlands Police applied for an expedited review of the premises licence, citing 'serious concerns' over the venue's promotion of licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. Superintendent Haroon Chughtai stated the assault, which occurred in the doorway of the venue at approximately 4.18am, represented a severe breach.
The expedited review was heard by Birmingham City Council’s licensing sub-committee B on Tuesday, December 30. The hearing, chaired by Councillor Saddak Miah, was held in private due to the ongoing criminal investigation. In attendance were the licence holder and the police.
Venue Shut Pending Full Investigation
At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee determined that the premises licence for Shamrock, trading as Savanna, would be suspended for 28 days, pending a full review. The venue, which according to its website serves Eritrean and Ethiopian food, cannot reopen during this period.
Furthermore, the committee removed Ms Fortuna (Furtuna) Debsay as the designated premises supervisor (DPS). She was both the licence holder and the DPS. The full review of the licence must now be held within 28 days of receiving the police's application.
This decisive action underscores the severity with which authorities are treating the incident, which has left a local family heartbroken and raised significant questions about safety and management at the city centre venue.
