Restaurant Loses License After Illegal Worker Penalty

Chinese Restaurant Faces Alcohol Sales Ban After Illegal Worker Fine

A Chinese restaurant in Longford, near Gloucester, has been banned from selling alcohol following a significant fine for employing illegal workers. The White Horse, owned by Lee Yap Kheang, was previously penalized £135,000 by the Home Office for hiring three Indonesian workers who did not have the right to work in the UK.

The incident came to light when Home Office inspectors visited the restaurant in August of last year. They discovered that the workers were not legally permitted to be employed in the country. As a result, the Home Office issued a civil penalty to R&R (Gloucester), the company that owns the restaurant, and urged the revocation of its council-issued licence.

The decision to revoke the licence was made ahead of a hearing held by Tewkesbury Borough Council on Thursday. During the meeting, Mr. Kheang expressed concern that the restaurant would have to close if it could no longer sell alcohol. He emphasized that the business now employs five local workers and relies heavily on alcohol sales for revenue, especially given the challenging economic conditions for restaurants.

Mr. Kheang shared his deep connection with the village, stating that the community is his home and its residents are his valued friends. He also mentioned the difficulties he has faced in running the restaurant, including repeated flooding, which has made the task even more challenging.

Despite his efforts, the licensing sub-committee of Tewkesbury Borough Council voted to revoke the restaurant's licence. A council spokesperson stated that the decision sends a clear message that serious breaches will not be tolerated.

Allegations of No Pay for Workers

The initial visit by Home Office inspectors was prompted by a tip-off suggesting that Mr. Kheang had been employing illegal workers without paying them, instead offering food and accommodation as compensation. During the inspection, Mr. Kheang claimed that the workers only occasionally helped with minor tasks such as washing dishes and tidying the garden.

However, when questioned about right to work checks, Mr. Kheang admitted to seeing letters related to asylum claims but did not conduct any checks. He further acknowledged, "I know they are not allowed to work."

This admission highlights a serious violation of employment laws, which contributed to the Home Office's decision to impose the fine and call for the licence to be revoked.

Appeal Process

Although the council has made its decision, Mr. Kheang still has the right to appeal regarding the restaurant’s licence. This appeal process may offer a chance to challenge the ruling and potentially retain the ability to sell alcohol.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of illegal employment and the responsibilities of business owners to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws. It also underscores the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in rural areas, where economic pressures can be significant.

As the situation unfolds, the community and local authorities will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts the future of the White Horse and similar establishments in the region.