A restaurant in west London has been fined for employing 'illegal workers'. The Sheepwalk Tavern, in Market Place, Acton, must now pay a sum of £45,000 over three years.

In September 2024, following a tip off, Ealing Council licensing officers and immigration services attended the restaurant, also known as Mendes Sheepwalk, to conduct an inspection. Upon entering the basement area they encountered a man dressed in a chef's uniform.

The male was found to be an overstaying his UK visa, and therefore working illegally. A woman, also working in the basement, was found to be working illegally and declined to answer any questions.

One 'drunk' male at the bar began to shout at officers. He said: "Why don't you do something useful and arrest the drug dealers?"

This 'irate and aggressive' behaviour led to the man swearing at the licensing officers. When he was told to leave the situation because he was drunk he shouted: "You should never say that to a drunk person!"

The officers spoke to a man who identified himself as the manager of the restaurant Mr Rogerio Figuiera Mendes. He also is said to have also become agitated, demanding the officers leave, answering no comment to all questions.

Duncan Greg, legal representative for the Sheepwalk Tavern told councillors: "Rogerio's position is that he misapprehended what employment was or wasn't. With this individual he was of the view the person wasn't employed. The law is clear that someone carrying out certain duties even if not for reward… it is employment."

He reminded councillors that the restaurant has perfect record because it has never been at threat of losing its licence. Since 2005 there had been no complaints or investigations.

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When presented to the licensing sub-committee, council officers sought to have the premises license revoked. However, during the investigation Mr Mendes' father, sadly passed away. Council officers agreed to settle with of the £45,000 fine, among other conditions.

The other conditions include the removal of Mr Mendes as the Designated Premises Supervisor. The new license holder must also carry out right to work checks on every employee before trial shifts.

They must retain these documents securely on the premises and be able to produce them without delay to relevant authorities upon inspection.

Licensing Officer Robert Dear said: "The area has already lost three licensed premises within 500 meters of this one. We can ill-afford to lose a good premises. I believe this is a one-off."