Labour Councillor Under Investigation for Drunkenly Abusing Indian Restaurant Staff and Leaving Without Paying
A Labour councillor is under investigation following an incident at an Indian restaurant in which he got drunk, was abusive to staff, and refused to pay for his meal.
Staff at the Taj restaurant in Merthyr Tydfil called the police after Gareth Lewis appeared drunk and tried to leave without paying for his meal.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council confirmed there is an on-going investigation into the conduct of Lewis who represents Troedyrhiw, Pentrebach and Abercanaid.
A staff member at the restaurant told the local media that Lewis was "drunk" and "didn't know what he was doing".
The restaurant's owner, Mr Miah wrote a formal complaint to the Leader of Merthyr Tydfil Labour Group, Darren Roberts.
A member of staff from the Taj Indian restaurant in Pontmorlais said Lewis came back to the premises the next day "to sort out the money." adding "The police have been to us and we've told them we don't want to take any further action against him. He's come to us and told us he's sorry and that he was drunk."
Leader of Merthyr Tydfil Labour Group, Darren Roberts said "I can confirm that I, and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council have been made aware of this alleged incident. There is currently an investigation on-going and until this is concluded both myself or the Council are not able to provide any further comments".
A Merthyr Council spokesperson said "Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council can confirm that they have been made aware of this alleged incident. There is currently an investigation on-going and until this is concluded, the Council is not able to provide any further comment".
The council also declined to confirm whether Lewis will be suspended during the investigation but a source told Nation.Cymru he is still attending council meetings.
Gareth Lewis's LinkedIn profile states he is employed as a 'case worker' for Gerald Jones MP who is currently competing with MP Beth Winter for the Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon seat after boundary changes were made to their existing constituencies.
Gerald Jones has denied that Lewis works for him, meaning that Lewis has potentially lied about his experience and job roles on a public platform.
Leader of the Council Geraint Thomas said "Mr Miah complained to me and I have forwarded the complaint to the monitoring officer at the council and to the Leader of the Labour group. As it's a Police matter, I can't make any further comment at the present time."
It is understood by Nation.Cymru that a video of Lewis at the restaurant has been sent as evidence to the Public Services Ombudsman along with statements from staff at the restaurant.
Dawn Bowden MS for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney said "All staffing issues in my constituency office are dealt with in accordance with the procedures and employment guidelines for Senedd Member support staff. I will make no further public comment on any such matters at this time".