Wellingborough restaurant keeps licence despite employing illegal workers
Zara Kitchen faced scrutiny following a Home Office probe, but the council has decided not to revoke its licence
A Wellingborough restaurant that was found to have employed illegal workers has been allowed to keep trading following a licence review.
Zara Turkish Restaurant, also known as Zara Kitchen, on 43 Cambridge Street, came under scrutiny after immigration enforcement officers visited the business last year and discovered two employees without the right to work – it's reported that the visit followed a tip-off to the Home Office.
North Northamptonshire Council carried out the restaurant's licence review last week, citing concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder.
The council’s licensing committee said it acknowledged the seriousness of the violation but ultimately decided not to revoke or suspend the restaurant’s licence, allowing the business to continue selling alcohol between 10am and midnight, Monday to Saturday, and midday to 11.30pm on Sundays.
Following the incident, Zara Kitchen said it had taken several steps to address the issues raised, including implementing strict compliance systems for mandatory right-to-work checks, providing training on licensing and employment laws, and improving record-keeping for staff details, working hours and wages.