Licence review for illegal workers restaurant

The venue could lose its alcohol licence

A restaurant which employed illegal workers is facing a licensing review.

Immigration officers raided Bayleaf Authentic Indian on Main Street, Ferryhill, County Durham, last November and found three people working in the kitchen illegally.

Several people were arrested and Durham County Council will make a decision on the venue's future next week.

The restaurant could lose its alcohol licence after bosses were accused of operating irresponsible management practices.

Dillu Miah, the former licence holder, was interviewed with his brother following the raid, but both denied overseeing employment and "proceeded to point the blame at each other," a Home Office report said.

"Hostility was shown towards the officers who attended the premises along with an attempt at deception while answering questions.

"It is clear that the licence holder failed to conduct mandatory employments checks."

'Exploit workers'

Other breaches were not having working CCTV and paying staff below the minimum wage.

One worker said they were paid £40 for working four or five hours - between £8 and £10 per hour, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The national minimum wage at the time was £11.44.

The Home Office said: "Such practices not only exploit workers but also provide an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that adhere to wage regulations.

"The payment of below-minimum wages raises serious questions about the licence holder's commitment to lawful and ethical employment practices."

Mr Rahman is due to appear at a licensing meeting on Tuesday.