Illyrian Grill House keeps licence after £40,000 illegal worker fine

Illyrian Grill House in Green Lanes, Bowes, will keep its premises licence after Enfield Council’s licensing sub-committee rejected a Home Office request to revoke it. The decision was taken on 12 August 2026, despite the restaurant having paid a £40,000 civil penalty in November 2025 for employing illegal workers.

The Home Office had asked the council to review the licence following an immigration enforcement visit on 18 May 2025. During that visit, officers alleged one worker was employed in breach of skilled worker visa conditions and three others had no right to work in the UK. The penalty was issued and paid, but no criminal charges followed.

Councillors cite improved processes

Committee chair Penny Heathwood said the decision was based on the lack of recent intelligence about illegal working. She told the meeting at Enfield Civic Centre that the Home Office had received no further reports of breaches since May 2025. The restaurant’s solicitor, David Dadds, had argued that the penalty related to a single worker and no further allegations had been made.

Heathwood said the licence holder had changed its employment processes and was now promoting the council’s licensing objectives. The committee chose not to amend the existing licence but will expect continued compliance. The Home Office’s licensing compliance officer, Alexandra Romano, confirmed no further breaches were known.

What happens next

Illyrian Grill House will continue operating under its current licence. Enfield Council’s licensing team will monitor compliance with the conditions set by the sub-committee. The Home Office has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision or take further action.