The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to consider an application to review the premises licence for Neyzen Restaurant, located at 290 North Street, Romford, RM5 3AB. Following evidence presented by the Home Office Immigration Department regarding illegal working and associated concerns, the committee decided to revoke the licence.

Review of Premises Licence for Neyzen Restaurant

The primary focus of the meeting was an application by the Home Office Immigration Department to review the premises licence for Neyzen Restaurant. The Home Office submitted the application under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, citing concerns that the licence holder had failed to uphold the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder due to the identification of illegal working at the premises.

Paul Jones, the Public Protection Officer, presented the Home Office's report, detailing an immigration enforcement visit on 1 May 2025. During this visit, two individuals were found to be working illegally at the restaurant. Both individuals admitted to working without the right to do so and stated that their employer was aware. One worker reported being paid in cash with no tax or National Insurance contributions, and the other was also working regular shifts without the correct documentation. The manager on duty confirmed that Mr. Badrul Haque, the licence holder, was responsible for recruiting staff.

Further concerns were raised by the Home Office regarding an outbuilding at the rear of the premises containing a mattress, bedding, and heating equipment, which was described as unsafe and exploitative accommodation. Additionally, unsecured electrical wiring presented public safety risks. A civil penalty of £80,000 was issued to HAS21 Ltd. for the illegal working, which remains unpaid.

The Home Office representative argued that the licence holder's explanation, which involved leasing the premises to HAS21 Ltd., was undermined by inconsistent tenancy agreements. They also highlighted that Companies House records showed the licence holder and individuals connected to HAS21 Ltd. shared the same registered residential address, suggesting a close link. The applicant's representative, Mr. Padrul Haak, stated that he was the premises licence holder but did not get involved in the day-to-day activities, attributing the issues to HAS21 Ltd. to whom he had granted a tenancy due to health complications. He also mentioned terminating the tenancy agreement with HAS21 Ltd. and installing CCTV.

Councillor Christine Smith questioned Mr. Haak's understanding of his responsibilities as a licence holder, referencing the council's policy on the standards of management expected, which includes demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of best practice. Councillor Jane Keane expressed concern about the potential exploitation of workers, noting the council's commitment to the Modern Slavery Act.

After considering all representations, the subcommittee, advised by their legal advisor, decided to revoke the premises licence for Neyzen Restaurant. Written notice of this decision will be provided within five working days, and Mr. Haque has 21 days to appeal.