Indian Restaurant Pursues 2AM Alcohol Licence After Setback

A Whitstable-based Indian restaurant is making a renewed effort to secure an alcohol licence, which would allow it to operate until 2 AM. The Star of Bengal has submitted a second application this month after losing its previous licence due to violations related to illegal employment practices.

The restaurant’s troubles began when immigration officers discovered two men working illegally at the establishment. Both were found to have been compensated with food and accommodation rather than formal wages. Following this incident, the restaurant’s previous licence was revoked. Under new management, Riaz Ali, who took over in January 2023, aims to reinstate the ability to serve alcohol to customers.

The first application submitted by Mr. Ali was deemed invalid by the Canterbury City Council (CCC) because it failed to meet the required advertising standards. According to a council spokesperson, “Due to the failure to advertise their application in accordance with Regulation 25 of The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and club premises certificates) Regulations 2005, the application was invalid and must be re-submitted.” The council requires that applications be advertised with an A4 notice on pale blue paper, prominently displayed at the premises, as well as an advertisement in a local newspaper outlining the requested licence details.

Following the issues surrounding the initial application, Mr. Ali has now resubmitted a new request for the alcohol licence. When he took over the restaurant, the premises licence was not transferred to him, allowing him to apply anew. The previous owner, Mohammed Ashraful Islam, faced a fine of £45,000 and the loss of his licence due to the illegal employment discovered during a Home Office (HO) inspection in December 2022. During that visit, two Bangladeshi nationals were found working without proper documentation, with one admitting to receiving meals in exchange for his work.

Mr. Ali expressed optimism about the future of the Star of Bengal, stating, “The food industry is struggling as it is, and this has made it more difficult for us, but we will come back stronger. It is quite well-known and has a great reputation with the local clientele. Hopefully, our customers will continue to support us and stay with us.”

As the restaurant navigates this process, CCC is expected to make a decision on the application within the coming months. The outcome will significantly impact the restaurant’s operational capabilities and its ability to serve alcohol to patrons late into the night.