A Turkish restaurant in Kent has had its licence stripped after an immigration probe discovered staff members working illegally and being paid only with food and accommodation instead of wages.
The Sheppey business, Mems Mezze, has been accused of "exploiting workers" and knowingly hiring people without permission to work in the UK.
Following the investigation, the establishment has been issued with a £120,000 fine by the Home Office. The owner, however, insists the situation was "nothing to do" with her as she had leased the business out.
The pub, formerly known as Halfway House pub was taken over by Mehmet and Elvin Suzgun in 2017.
Mem's Mezze in Kent was visited by officers
Google Maps
Home Office Immigration Enforcement applied to Swale Borough Council for a review of the restaurant's licence following an enforcement visit on January 16.
She also claimed it was legally acceptable for two of the workers to be unpaid as they were being sponsored by other employees who provided them with room and board.
Suzgun insists she will contest the licence review when it goes before the council, stating: "I'm not accepting that because it's nothing to do with me. All the papers and all the relevant information has been passed to the Home Office."
The business could face several potential consequences, including reduced hours for licensable activities, new restrictions, or even having its permission for any licensed activities revoked.
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The Aviator pub in Kent
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Home Office guidance from February indicates that hiring illegal workers is considered so serious that "revocation of the licence – even in the first instance – should be seriously considered" for businesses found doing so.
Despite being hit with the substantial fine and facing a licence review, the owners of Mems Mezze appear to be continuing their business operations.
In April, they announced their takeover and reopening of the Aviator pub in Queenborough Road.
The restaurant's website boasts of its "dedicated team of chefs who have a combined cooking experience of over 15 years."
The public can submit their views to Swale Borough Council's licensing sub-committee until May 28, though it is not yet known when the panel will meet to decide the fate of the business.
