Bayleaf Authentic Indian restaurant in Ferryhill has warned it could be forced to close after losing its licence for employing illegal workers.
The restaurant has been stripped of the ability to serve alcohol following a decision by Durham County Council.
Immigration enforcement requested a review of the Main Street restaurant’s alcohol licence after a raid in November found three people working at the restaurant without the right to work in the UK.
One of the three workers was still working at the restaurant on a follow-up visit in December.
Joanna Henderson, Home Office enforcement officer, told a licensing committee hearing on Tuesday: “Whether by negligence or wilful blindness, illegal workers were engaged in activity on the premises, yet it is a simple process for an employer to ascertain what documents they should check before a person can work.”
“This repeated breach demonstrates the license holder’s deliberate and continued disregard for immigration and employment laws by continuing to employ an individual who did not have the right to work.”
Restaurant bosses were also criticised for an alleged lack of accountability and were described as operating irresponsible management practices. Other licence breaches included inadequate CCTV and paying staff below minimum wage.
The restaurant’s licence was transferred to Mohammed Oliur Rahman following the initial raid, who indicated he plans to appeal the council decision and vowed to improve the Ferryhill business.
He told the hearing: “I’m here to keep all the paperwork right. I have never had any problems at my other restaurants in my career.” When asked what would happen if the licence was revoked, Mr Rahman said staff would lose their jobs, adding: “It would be very difficult, there would be no business there.”
Members heard that Dillu Miah, the former licence holder, was interviewed alongside his brother following the November raid, but both denied overseeing employment and “proceeded to point the blame at each other”.
“Hostility was shown towards the officers who attended the premises along with an attempt of deception while answering interview questions,” the Home Office said.
The restaurant was fined £125,000 for employing staff illegally. The Home Office’s concerns were supported by Durham County Council’s licensing department.
A representative supporting Mr Rahman at the hearing said: “Yes, its paperwork has been weak through a mix of naivety, stupidity, and laziness; you can’t run a business like that. Had this been addressed a year ago we wouldn’t be here today, however, we are. The two of us have taken serious steps in recent times to cover all the paperwork. We are taking the restaurant further on a proper sound basis.”
But the council’s licensing committee voted to revoke the licence. Councillor David Brown, committee chair, said: “Employing persons disqualified from working in the UK shall be taken very seriously.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
