The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bexley Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to review a premises licence. The primary focus of the meeting was a review of the licence for Hayat Restaurant, following an application by the Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team.

Review of Premises Licence for Hayat Restaurant

The meeting was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Hayat Restaurant, located at 25 The Oval, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9ER. This review was initiated by the Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team (Home Office) on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder.

The report pack detailed that the review stemmed from concerns regarding illegal working at the premises. Immigration Enforcement had conducted two visits, on 10 April 2025 and 14 August 2025, during which individuals without the right to work in the UK were encountered. The report noted that on 10 April 2025, two individuals were identified as immigration offenders, and on 14 August 2025, one individual was identified as an immigration offender.

The report also highlighted that a Civil Penalty Notice for £90,000 was issued on 16 September 2025 to The Oval Sidcup Ltd for employing individuals who did not have the right to work in the UK. Furthermore, it was noted that The Oval Sidcup Ltd had submitted a First Gazette notice for strike-off on 03 March 2026, to which the Home Office lodged an objection.

The report indicated that the Immigration Enforcement team was requesting the revocation of the premises licence. They argued that merely remedying the situation through additional conditions or suspension would be insufficient as a deterrent. The report referenced Section 182 guidance, which suggests that employing individuals disqualified due to their immigration status should be treated particularly seriously, and that revocation of the licence should be seriously considered, even in the first instance.

The report also outlined the potential actions the Sub-Committee could take, which included modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the Designated Premises Supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.

The report pack also included general guidance for members on declaring interests and dispensations, and information on items of late business, though no specific declarations of interest or late items were detailed as having been discussed.