A TANDOORI restaurant has had its premises licence revoked after illegal workers were found working in the kitchen.

The Nirala Tandoori, in Brook Street, Manningtree, was found to have been employing two people who had no right to work or stay in the UK.

Tendring Council’s premises/personal licenses sub-committee carried out a review after a request from Essex Police.

An East of England Immigration Enforcement Team visited the restaurant on September 14.

They found the premises licence holder Tahrima Ahmed and the designated premises supervisor Khaled Ahmed were employing the illegal workers.

One of the men was seen in the kitchen preparing food at a stove wearing a white chef’s jacket and apron. The other was in the restaurant in normal clothing.

Mark Cossens, who chaired the sub-committee, said: “We view this matter very seriously and have decided to revoke the licence.

“We are concerned that no documentation was produced to us to prove that right to work checks of any employee had been undertaken.

“It is hoped this decision will send a clear message to others in the district over the employment of illegal workers and will put them off doing so.”

Mr Ahmed stated the business had been struggling financially and that the loss of the licence would force him to shut the restaurant.

He confirmed he was responsible for recruiting staff but said he did not know the two men found by the immigration team and they were there to meet a friend.

Therefore he felt he did not need to carry out checks on their status.