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Businessman Sanjay Raval is calling time on his hectic life in the licensing trade after 30 years.
At the height of his career the 52-year-old ran a total of 27 pubs and bars, predominantly in Medway, and had 362 staff on the payroll.
Then the recession hit hard and he was forced to wind down his company Veena Leisure, based in Rochester High Street.
He then channelled his efforts into the City Wall Wine Bar, where he was been for the last 20 years, and built up a flourishing business.
He’s seen premises come and go and the town transform into a thriving night-time venue with hundreds flocking to its pubs and restaurants.
He’s observed a change in drinking habits, with more coming out late at night and dining out in a diverse range of eateries.
The former Rochester Math School pupil started off working as a part-time barman at Spatts in Gillingham when he was just 17.
By the time he was 21 he had become manager of the business in Pier Road and re-named it the Expressions Bar.
Ten years later he set up Veena Leisure and, in Rochester High Street alone, his portfolio included the King’s Head, where he had an office, the George Vaults, the Eagle and Piggy's.
"I shall probably spend my first day sleeping and then I shall think about travelling... who knows what I will do?" - Sanjay Raval
He said: “When I left school I had no plans and no idea what to do and did not want to go to university.
“I like the social aspect and interaction with people. This is not a job, it’s a way of life.”
But Sanjay is the first to admit it’s a hard life. His working day starts at 8am and at weekends sometimes ending at 3am.
He said it has been the fun times, fond memories and making “some great friends” that has kept him going.
Sanjay’s last day is Monday, September 30 preceded by three days of party fun nights at the City Wall.
He said: “I shall probably spend my first day sleeping and then I shall think about travelling. Who knows what I will do?”
His popularity was highlighted when he launched his Save Our Patio campaign with more than 7,000 people signing a petition to keep the outdoor terrace at the side of the bar.
Council environmental officers lodged complaints about loud voices and music at night time and he eventually ended up in court on noise abatement charges.
The case landed him a £20,000 bill in fines and solicitor’s fees.
Sanjay argued the loss of the patio would seriously affect his income and after four years of wrangling he bought the land.
Over the years he has become an integral figure in the community playing a key role in the Safety Medway Partnership, a national module to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.
He is a member of the Licensed Victuallers' Association which represents people working in the trade on licensing matters.
He has also taken part in a wide range of charity events from climbing Kilimanjaro to bus pulls and Santa fun runs, most of which were to raise money for customers in need of medical treatment.
In his own words, he said: “It’s about time I started leading a normal life, maybe stop being single, and maybe even starting a family.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
