A Widnes town centre shop which employed illegal workers has had its premises licence revoked by Halton Borough Council.
Following visits to Today’s Extra, 78 Albert Road, where illegal workers were identified, Home Office Immigration submitted an application for a review of their premises licence, held by Diamond 8 Retail Limited.
This was on the grounds that the premises has undermined the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.
The Council’s Regulatory Sub-Committee held a hearing where councillors heard from Home Office Immigration, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. a local ward councillor, and the legal representative and licensing consultant representing the premises.
It is a legal requirement for employers to ensure that they check the details of all employees and confirm they have the Right to Work in the UK. This premises failed to complete the relevant checks.
The Sub-Committee’s decision was to revoke the premises licence, meaning that Today’s Extra were no longer permitted to sell alcohol or hot food/drinks after 11pm. There is now a statutory 21 days from the date of the determination notice for any party to make an application to the magistrate’s court to appeal the decision.
Home Office Immigration are visiting premises across the borough ensuring that all business are complainant. As the Home Office Immigration department is one of the Responsible Authorities under the Licensing Act 2003 they can call a review of a licence if a premises is found not to be compliant.
Cllr Pamela Wallace, Chair of the Regulatory Sub-Committee and a ward councillor, said: “This premises has failed to comply with the law and as a consequence has now had the premises licence revoked due to the failures of the owners to comply with requirements.
“This is an excellent result for all parties and is a warning to other premises in the borough that we do not tolerate those who break the law.”
Cheshire Police Licensing Officer Lesley Halliday said: “This result shows how effective working together across agencies can be when it comes to making sure our shops are abiding by the licenses they hold whilst upholding the licensing objectives which includes Prevention of Crime and Disorder – not only for the safety of the employees to ensure they aren’t at risk of exploitation by being employed illegally, but for customers who use the shops who can do so safely in the knowledge that they are legitimate businesses who are abiding by the rules that protect everyone from harm.”