A prominent Chinese restaurant in Solihull, Jade Wok, has had its licence to sell alcohol revoked after being found to employ illegal workers. The decision, deemed a rare and severe penalty, was made by Solihull Council’s licensing act panel, who described revocation as the “only appropriate and necessary step.”
The action followed an immigration enforcement operation in November, triggered by intelligence that led officers to the restaurant. Two individuals found working without legal permission were arrested and are currently on bail, with immigration prosecution ongoing.
PC Luke Prescott of West Midlands Police, who requested the licence review on the grounds of crime and disorder prevention, told the panel, “The employment of two illegal workers couldn’t possibly be a mistake; it has to be done on purpose. There can be no excuses.” He also highlighted the uncooperative behavior of Mrs. Jia Tian, the designated premises supervisor, during the inspection.
READ MORE: Midlands Towns and Cities Ranked in New List of Most Dangerous Places
READ MORE: Birmingham Street Tops UK for Driving Fines, Raising over £42 Million Nationwide
Councillor Peter Hogarth, chairing the panel, confronted Mrs. Tian about her awareness of employment regulations, noting the business’s 23-year history. Mrs. Tian admitted to giving money to the individuals but denied employing them, claiming they only cooked for themselves in the restaurant’s kitchen as there was no kitchen in their flat above the premises.
The council’s solicitor questioned why the two men had told immigration authorities they were working if they were not. Mrs. Tian responded, “They hate me because I didn’t give them a job.”
Despite an argument from Jade Wok’s solicitor that the business was already facing a substantial Home Office fine and should not be penalized again by the council, the panel found the evidence presented by the police convincing. They noted inconsistencies in Mrs. Tian’s statements and obstructive behavior during the immigration search.
The panel concluded that the business failed to meet licensing objectives, particularly regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, and that this failure justified the revocation of Jade Wok’s alcohol licence.