Lincolnshire Police calls for licence review of Holbeach's Chameli Tandoori due to 'criminal activity'

A restaurant could be stripped of its licence after police obtained evidence of ‘criminal activity’ on its premises.

Lincolnshire Police uncovered information which indicates Chameli Tandoori, of St John’s Street in Holbeach, has been employing illegal workers.

The restaurant’s licence holder, Abu Rasel, and designated premises supervisor, Siddiqur Fuad Rahman, are set to go before South Holland District Council’s panel of the committee of the licensing authority on Tuesday.

A review had been sought by Chris Haward, chief constable of Lincolnshire Police, on the grounds of two licensing objectives - the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety.

A public notice was issued and displayed on a lamp post outside of the restaurant, but it was found to have been removed two days later following verbal abuse from people at the premises. With police assistance, a further three notices have been displayed.

The review application was made after a compliance visit to the restaurant from the Lincolnshire Police Alcohol Lincensing Team, Community Cohesion, Home Office Immigration and Trading Standards in April.

Of the eight workers present, one front of house staff member and four of the kitchen team were found to be working without the correct permissions.

One was said to be a worker in breach of visa conditions at Tulip Tandoori, Spalding, when it committed similar offences in 2014.

Some were also found to be living above the premises which meant it should have been registered with the district council as a ‘large house of multiple occupation’.

Mr Rahman and Mr Rasel were unable to provide evidence showing right to work checks had been completed.

Safety concerns regarding fire regulations were also raised.

The meeting to discuss the potential revoking of the restaurant’s licenses will take place at 10am on Tuesday at the council offices on Priory Road, Spalding.

In a report to the meeting, the police’s alcohol licensing team said that ‘it is expected that revocation of the licence - even in the first instance - should be seriously considered’.

Chameli Tandoori is currently licensed for the sale by retail of alcohol (on and off premises) and late night refreshment.

We approached the restaurant for comment, but received no response.