The BBC news story says:

"A coffee shop which opened in Brighton without planning permission has been ordered to stop operating as a cafe.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it had served an enforcement notice on the Starbucks store in St James's Street, which takes effect from 9 January.

Starbucks will be allowed to sell takeaway coffee and sandwiches, but they cannot be consumed inside.

The shop opened in May even though it had not received planning permission to use the site as a cafe or restaurant.

Starbucks will have to take out all the seats and tables from the shop.

It has been given six weeks to comply, with full compliance with the enforcement notice required by 20 February unless an appeal is received on or before 9 January.

The company said it was currently considering the options. "We believe that our coffee houses make positive contributions to their local areas and, in particular, Starbucks store on St James's Street has helped its community by creating around 14 new jobs and by providing a relaxing and safe environment for customers to enjoy great tasting coffee," a statement said.

Every weekend since its opening a protest has been held outside the store by campaigners worried that if too many chain stores open in the area rents will increase, making it more difficult for independent retailers.

More than 2,000 signatures on a petition were gathered and presented to the council this week.

Councillor Lynda Hyde, chairman of the council's planning committee, said: "We are responding to local concerns and making it clear we will not tolerate planning regulations being flouted in this way.

"Our planning team has been monitoring the operation and it is clear that sales of food and drink for consumption on the premises form a considerable part of the business, in breach of planning consent."

(End of BBC story)

There a whole range of reasons for not liking Starbucks, ranging from their nasty habit of forcing out locally based competitiors to the ethical deficit that allows them to run a branch in Guantanamo Bay!

Said one of the campaigners: "The arrogant twats even refitted as a café before permission was even determined assuming (or knowing more like) their money, clout, and fancy solicitors could sort any annoying little details like, you know, planning laws and community feeling.

"The latest crap to come – other than their (unfairly traded) coffee - from these shameless profit-hungry lot is that they’re not in fact a café - they’re a SHOP. Riiiight! So the cuddly sofas are imaginary and mannequins sitting in there are sipping on skinny lattes and local traders' blood.

"The council ARE for once doing something about it and are taking enforcement action but as we know nothing’s fast in local government and in the meantime this faceless company are taking trade away from the 17 other independently-run cafes in the area and local economy.

"Well, this time they’ve met their match because this is Brighton, right, you with me? Alternative, independent, quirky, you know the place. Well, if you love it here then come along and show your support, persuade a few shoppers to see the light, and help protect our city because the chains are coming quick and fast and it’s time to say ENOUGH."