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A Turkish restaurant in Sheppey, Kent, has had its premises licence revoked after a Home Office Immigration Enforcement investigation uncovered multiple instances of illegal employment. Mems Mezze, formerly the Halfway House pub, is accused of "exploiting workers" by knowingly employing individuals without the right to work in the UK and compensating them solely with food and accommodation, bypassing standard wage practices, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
The investigation, which culminated in a £120,000 fine for the establishment, followed an enforcement visit on January 16th. Swale Borough Council's licensing sub-committee is now reviewing the case after an application from the Home Office.
While the restaurant's website proudly features its "dedicated team of chefs who have a combined cooking experience of over 15 years," the reality uncovered by the authorities paints a starkly different picture. The Home Office alleges a clear violation of immigration laws and a disregard for fair labour practices.
The owner of Mems Mezze has reportedly claimed that the situation is "nothing to do" with her, stating that the business had been leased out. However, this assertion will likely be scrutinised by the licensing sub-committee as they deliberate on the future of the premises. Mehmet and Elvin Suzgun took over the pub in 2017, transforming it into Mems Mezze.
This incident comes amidst separate complaints regarding some British Bangladeshi restaurant owners allegedly employing illegal immigrants for lower wages, raising broader concerns about labour practices within the restaurant sector.
The public has until May 28th to submit their views on the Mems Mezze case to Swale Borough Council's licensing sub-committee. The date for the panel's decision on the restaurant's fate remains undisclosed.
