The Licensing Sub-Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council is scheduled to consider a review of a premises licence for Twickenham Tandoori. The meeting will also address the procedure for hearings.

Review of Twickenham Tandoori Premises Licence

A significant item on the agenda is the application to review the premises licence for Twickenham Tandoori, located at 33 Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NR. The review has been initiated by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

The grounds for the review are stated as the Licence Holder having failed to meet the Licensing Objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder, as illegal working has been identified at the premises. The report pack details an enforcement visit on 8 October 2025, during which five individuals were encountered, and concerns regarding illegal working were identified. Two individuals were subsequently found to be working illegally.

The report pack includes information on the premises licence history, noting that Moidul Hussain was the premises licence holder and Designated Premises Supervisor. It also details a civil penalty of £90,000 issued to M Ht T Ltd for employing individuals without the right to work in the UK, which was later reduced to £45,000 and is currently under appeal. Companies House records indicate that Moidul Hussain was appointed as a director of the company on 18 February 2022.

The report outlines the potential decisions the Sub-Committee may make, ranging from taking no action to revoking the licence. The Sub-Committee is required to determine the premises licence based on the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The Home Office Immigration Enforcement, acting as a Responsible Authority¹, has submitted the application for review. The report notes that there have been no representations received from other Responsible Authorities or other persons, but the Premises Licence Holder has submitted a response.

The report pack includes extensive documentation, such as the review application, supporting evidence from the enforcement visit, the premises licence itself, and the Premises Licence Holder's response. The Home Office's submission highlights that employing a person disqualified from working due to their immigration status should be treated particularly seriously and that revocation should be seriously considered, even in the first instance, where such activity has taken place.²

The Premises Licence Holder, M HT T Ltd, has responded, stating that the allegations are contested and are the subject of an ongoing appeal in the County Court, with a hearing listed for February 2027. They request that the Sub-Committee defer its determination until after the appeal has been heard.

Procedure for Hearings

The meeting will also include a note on the Procedure to be followed for the Hearing, which will outline how the Licensing Sub-Committee will conduct its business. This procedure is in place for hearings held under the Licensing Act 2003³ or the London Local Authorities Act 1991⁴.