A 'POORLY managed' restaurant where suspected illegal workers were found has had its premises licence revoked.

Jaflong, an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Bicester, will not be able to sell alcohol at all, irrespective of the time of day.

It comes after the business on Market Square was raided by Home Office officers in October 2019, where five staff members were suspected of working illegally and two were arrested.

There was also a catalogue of problems including food safety concerns, pigeon mess in a courtyard next to the kitchen window, blocked fire exits and an underground tunnel connecting two cellars.

On Friday, Cherwell District Council’s licensing sub-committee resolved to remove Jaflong’s alcohol and late-night refreshment licence in the interests of public protection. 

This means it will also not be allowed to sell food after 11pm.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s executive member with responsibility for licensing, said: “The sub-committee found that this restaurant was being poorly managed and that this could contribute to crime and disorder. In particular, there was a disregard for immigration and employment law. 

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“It may be some time yet until restaurants can reopen. When they do, it will be more vital than ever that they offer a safe and hygienic experience for their customers.

"By removing Jaflong’s alcohol licence we are sending a very strong message that licenced premises owe a duty of care to their workers and customers and cannot cut corners.”

Eight beds for workers were found above the restaurant and piles of goods were blocking the exits. 

Home Office guidance establishes that alcohol licensing authorities such as Cherwell should consider revoking the right to sell alcohol when the business raises public safety concerns, or the licensee is not following relevant public protection laws. 

The licensee has a £20,000 civil penalty fine outstanding with the Border Agency.