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The restaurant has been fined £40,000
Usha in Burnley(Image: Archive)
An award-winning East Lancashire Asian curry house has lost its permit to sell alcohol over the employment of illegal workers.
Councillors on Wednesday revoked the premises licence for the Usha Indian Restaurant in Rossendale Road, Burnley. The decision was made in response to a request from the Home Office on August 18.
The move followed a raid by immigration enforcement officers on December 7 which discovered two staff working in the kitchen without the legal right to do so.
It resulted in the owners of Usha Restaurant – which has won several awards in national competitions – being fined £40,000. The fine, which was due on March 14, is yet to be paid.
The Burnley Council decision notice says: “The Licensing Sub-Committee has considered all relevant representations made to the Sub-Committee by the parties and the information before them.
“In accordance with Burnley Council’s Licensing Policy and The Licensing Act 2003, the decision of the Sub-Committee is to revoke the Premises Licence, PLA0186.
“In giving its decision, the Sub-Committee appreciates that the Premises Licence Holder acknowledges their wrongdoing.
“However, the Sub-Committee determined that no effective measures or processes had been implemented to prevent or regulate illegal working at the premises.
“The Sub-Committee considered this matter to be of a serious nature, as it concerns illegal working. The Sub-Committee concluded that the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective has been undermined.
“It was clear that the Premises Licence Holder breached their duties, as no right to work checks were conducted, and no employment records were kept.
“The Premises Licence Holder has the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving the Decision Notice.”
The Home Office submission to the sub-committee said: “On 07 December 2024, the North West Immigration Compliance Enforcement (ICE) team visited Usha Indian Restaurant located at 338 Rossendale Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 5JF.
“Entry was gained to the premises using Section 179 Licensing Act 2003. Two males were encountered working without holding the right to work in the UK.
“Usha Ltd was issued a civil penalty of £45,000 on 13 January 2025 relating to one individual. Following an objection, the penalty was reduced to £40,000 on 12 February 2025.
“Payment was due by 14 March 2025 but remains outstanding. The matter has been referred to a third-party debt collection agency. Further concerns include the wages paid to the workers.”
The premises are licensed for the supply of alcohol and for late night refreshments. The licensed time for the supply of alcohol is from Monday to Sunday between 09:00hrs and 01:00hrs.
The licensed time for late night refreshments is from Monday to Sunday between 23:00hrs and 01:30hrs.
Usha Restaurant has been approached for comment.
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