Telford Indian restaurant licence revoked following illegal worker findings
Councillors have voted to revoke the premises licence of a well-known Indian restaurant in Telford after hearing evidence that four illegal workers were discovered during two separate immigration raids.
The decision, made by Telford & Wrekin Council’s licensing sub-committee, means that The Blue Elephant restaurant on Holyhead Road in Ketley can continue operating—but will no longer be permitted to sell alcohol, provide late-night refreshments, or host live or recorded music. The ruling is subject to appeal within 21 days.
Immigration Raids and Findings
The committee heard that immigration enforcement officers carried out raids at the restaurant in 2020 and again in 2025. Three individuals were arrested during the first visit, with a fourth detained during the more recent operation.
A Home Office representative told the hearing that the business had demonstrated a “pattern of non-compliance” with its legal duty to prevent illegal working. She added that she had seen “no credible evidence” that proper right-to-work checks had been implemented.
“Employing illegal workers is a key driver of illegal migration,” she said, warning that businesses failing to follow the law undermine those that do.
Ownership and Responsibility
The premises licence is held by Shander Herian, who also owns the freehold of the building. Councillors were told that Mr Herian, who is blind, had leased the restaurant to Shibbir Mahmood, who acted as the designated premises supervisor and was responsible for day-to-day operations.
Representing Mr Herian, barrister Duncan Craig argued that his client had not been informed about either of the immigration raids until recently.
“The licence holder was not made aware of matters,” he told councillors, suggesting that action could have been taken earlier had authorities contacted Mr Herian directly.
Mr Mahmood admitted during the hearing that he had failed to inform Mr Herian about the 2025 raid, saying he had “made a mistake” and had been abroad at the time attending a funeral.
Penalties and Legal Arguments
The committee heard that following the 2020 raid, the business received a civil penalty which could not be enforced after the restaurant changed its name. After the second raid, a £40,000 fine was issued and is currently under appeal.
Mr Craig acknowledged that the situation represented a “blatant disregard of the law” but argued that revoking the licence was disproportionate. He proposed alternative measures, including removing Mr Mahmood as the designated premises supervisor and imposing stricter licence conditions.
He also suggested a temporary suspension of up to three months to allow Mr Herian time to appoint a new supervisor.
Committee Decision
However, councillors—Peter Scott, chair John Thompson, and Nathalie Page—ultimately sided with the Home Office and the council as responsible authority in deciding to revoke the licence.
Councillor Page noted that responsibility ultimately rests with the licence holder, telling the meeting: “The buck stops with the licence holder.”
After deliberating in private, the committee announced its decision shortly before midday on April 30 at Darby House in Telford.
What Happens Next
Mr Herian has 21 days to appeal the decision. Following the hearing, Mr Craig said his clients would take time to consider their next steps before making any further comment.
In the meantime, The Blue Elephant may continue serving food but must operate without the licensable activities previously permitted under its now-revoked licence.