Tandoori restaurant licence suspended after workers allegedly found without right to work

A popular southwest London restaurant has had its licence suspended for three months after two men were allegedly found working there without the right to work in the UK.

Richmond Council's licensing committee agreed to suspend the licence for Twickenham Tandoori, on Church Street, following a private hearing on October 20.

The committee stopped short of permanently revoking the licence, instead opting for a temporary suspension while the business addresses the concerns raised.

According to a report published by the council, Home Office officials visited the restaurant on October 8, 2025, and found two people working in the kitchen who were unable to produce the necessary right-to-work documentation.

The committee said it was concerned that the individuals were allegedly carrying out kitchen duties without appropriate employment checks having been completed. Members also raised concerns about public liability insurance and health and safety training, including food hygiene requirements.

According to the report, one of the men told Home Office officials he was undertaking his first trial shift and had been preparing food before any right-to-work checks had been carried out.

The second individual allegedly told investigators that no employment checks had been completed by the owner. The report states that while immigration documents had been requested, they were never produced.

He also reportedly said he had been paid £50 a week in cash to work as a kitchen porter for four to five days each week.

The restaurant's representative told the licensing hearing that the business would ensure right-to-work checks are completed before any future employee begins work, whether on a trial basis or as a permanent member of staff.

A letter submitted by the restaurant's operator, M HT T Ltd, ahead of the hearing stated that it disputed the allegations.

The company was issued with a £90,000 civil penalty notice by the Home Office in November 2025 for employing two people who had no right to work in the UK, however that penalty was later reduced to £45,000, while the Home Office withdrew the penalty relating to one of the individuals in December.

M HT T Ltd has lodged an appeal against the remaining civil penalty. The case is due to be heard in February.

The licensing committee concluded that a three-month suspension would be an appropriate and proportionate response while allowing the operator an opportunity to demonstrate compliance with licensing requirements.