A popular restaurant on Bridgwater’s ‘Celebration Mile’ has had its alcohol licence revoked following multiple findings of illegal employment. The Spice Club Indian restaurant and takeaway, located at 10 Eastover amidst ongoing roadworks, has been under scrutiny since 2019 due to repeated infringements related to illegal workers.
Between 2019 and 2024, the Home Office’s immigration enforcement teams visited the restaurant three times, uncovering individuals working without legal permission on every occasion. Initially operated by Muhammad Abdur Rahim under Mar Catering Ltd, the establishment received two fines of £30,000 in 2019 after two illegal workers were discovered during visits on June 27 and October 17. Subsequently, Mar Catering Ltd went into liquidation in early 2021.
In July 2021, Abul Kalam took over the restaurant’s licence, and the business appeared to improve its reputation, even earning Best Restaurant at the Curry Life Awards in October 2023. However, a third Home Office inspection on September 5, 2024, found the same illegal practices persisted. This led the Home Office to formally request the revocation of the licence in April 2025, stating that additional licence conditions would be insufficient deterrents.
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Currently, the restaurant’s alcohol licence permits sales daily from noon to midnight, including the playing of recorded music. But following a May 27 meeting of Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee north, the decision was made to revoke the licence, prohibiting alcohol sales on the premises while allowing food service and BYO alcohol.
Immigration officer Jessica Sykes detailed the gravity of the situation, explaining that illegal employment encourages unlawful migration and exploits vulnerable individuals. She reported that all 14 illegal workers found over the three visits were aware that their status was unauthorized and that some lived under poor conditions above the restaurant, often rent-free or receiving free food.
The repeated violations led to a significant £180,000 fine imposed in 2024. Officer Sykes revealed that some workers were paid below minimum wage and that many were overstayers rather than recent arrivals. Despite suggestions of potential modern slavery, she clarified that most had access to their own bank accounts and phones and participated voluntarily.
Following an hour of deliberations, the licensing sub-committee revoked the restaurant’s licence, sending a clear message against unlawful employment. The Spice Club now has until June 17 to appeal the decision at Taunton Magistrates’ Court.