The Southern Area Licensing Sub-Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to consider a review of the premises licence for The Tidworth Kebab House. Following a review of the evidence and submissions, the Sub-Committee decided to revoke the premises licence.

Review of The Tidworth Kebab House Premises Licence

The Sub-Committee revoked the premises licence for The Tidworth Kebab House, located at 8 Station Road, Tidworth, SP9 7NN. This decision was made following an application for review by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

The reasons for the revocation centred on breaches of immigration working regulations, which the Sub-Committee deemed a failure to uphold the licensing objective of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder. Evidence presented by the Home Office detailed a history of illegal working at the premises.

During an enforcement visit on 22 May 2025, immigration officers found seven individuals working at the premises, five of whom were identified as working illegally. Following this visit, H Kebab Limited was issued a civil penalty of £135,000 on 17 August 2025, which remains unpaid.

The Sub-Committee noted a reluctance from the Premises Licence Holder, Mr Halil Akar, to provide information regarding the management structures responsible for employing illegal workers. His responses of no comment led the Sub-Committee to have no confidence in the Premises Licence Holder's ability to uphold the licensing objectives. Furthermore, Mr Akar demonstrated an ignorance of licensing law, stating he was unaware that a Designated Premises Supervisor was required for the sale of alcohol.

The Sub-Committee concluded that there was a persistent pattern of non-compliance with immigration and licensing legislation, raising serious concerns about Mr Akar's ability to adhere to the licensing objectives. The evidence indicated that illegal workers had been employed even after an earlier warning, demonstrating a failure to comply with his obligations under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Sub-Committee comprised Councillor Kevin Daley (Chairman), Councillor Gregory Cooper, and Councillor Bridget Wayman. The Home Office Immigration Enforcement was represented by Andy Noble and Frank Cain. Mr Halil Akar, the Premises Licence Holder, was also in attendance. The decision can be appealed to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of written notification.