Store could lose licence after immigration raid
A convenience store which was raided by immigration officials could lose its licence if councillors agree to revoke its permission to sell beers and spirits.
Members of Dudley Council’s licensing committee are being asked to review Darby End Stores’ (previously known as Premier Convenience Store) permit after a man was found to be working there illegally.
The application by the council’s public protection manager is being made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.
In June the store and the neighbouring The Fryer chip shop, both on Northfield Road, were raided by immigration enforcement officers supported by West Midlands Police.
Officials carried out checks to ensure staff had the right to live and work in the UK.
Two men, one 37 and the other 35, both from India, were detained by the Home Office after it was found they had overstayed their visas.
Following the raid, a spokesman for the Home Office said: “Acting on intelligence, Immigration Enforcement officers visited two businesses in Northfield Road, Dudley, at around 3.45pm on Thursday, June 13.
“At The Fryer checks identified a 37-year-old Indian man who had overstayed his visa.
“At the Premier Store, checks identified a 35-year-old Indian man who had overstayed his visa.
“Both men were detained pending their removal from the UK.”
Council officials are now asking for a review of the store’s licence to sell alcohol.
Members of the committee will also hear representations from the Chief Officer for Health and Wellbeing, the Immigration Department and West Midlands Police.
In addition to losing its licence, the store also faces being fined up to £20,000 for employing an illegal immigrant unless it can show a court it made appropriate right-to-work document checks.
Councillors will make their decision on August 27.
