A SCANDINAVIAN-style bar is facing the loss of its licence for operating more like a pub than a restaurant.

Management at the Northern Lights in Brighton will appear before a panel of councillors next week after being accused of failing to meet its conditions.

Sussex Police’s licensing team said Northern Lights was not “food-led”, with a shortage of waiting staff, customers standing drinking at the bar and food menus not on display.

The force, which recommends temporary suspension of its licence, also raised concerns about crime, disorder and public nuisance at the Little East Street venue after inspections over a year.

The venue has become a cult favourite renowned for its Scandi-inspired menu of reindeer meat, pickled herring, as well as warm cider and Fisherman’s Friend vodka.

The venue is currently open until 2am Friday to Sunday but would be forced to close at 11.30pm under recommended amendments to a pub-like licence.

Police say no improvements have been made since a meeting in March last year after a closure notice was issued.

Police say two PCs in 2013 were told no food was served after 9pm and customers were seen ordering drinks at the bar and standing to drink them.

The force claims five mobile phone thefts reported last year were because it was a “vertical drinking” premises rather than a restaurant.

Director and supervisor Pauliina Talvensaari insisted Northern Lights was “food-led” and had only needed to call the police twice in seven years.

She said the venue had six menus serving food at all hours, had been featured in national and international magazines praising the quality of its food and had adequate seating.

She also questioned the alleged “false statements” made by police.