Business shut down temporarily as court order imposed following repeated offences
A CARDIGAN takeaway has been forced to close temporarily after immigration officers discovered illegal workers during a raid.
Officers from Immigration Enforcement visited Romino’s Pizza & Kebab in Finch Square on Wednesday (Mar 5), where two men from Turkey were found working without the legal right to do so.
The Home Office confirmed that this was not the first time the premises had been targeted. During three previous visits, a total of six illegal workers had been identified, resulting in fines totalling £135,000 for those responsible.
Following the latest visit, officials issued an illegal working closure notice, preventing access to the premises and banning any paid or unpaid work from taking place on site.
Such notices allow authorities to shut down a business immediately for up to 48 hours where illegal employment is identified.
Court order imposed
The following day, Thursday (Mar 6), Immigration Enforcement applied to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court for a formal illegal working compliance order, which was granted.
The order places strict conditions on how the business operates and can remain in force for up to twelve months.
These measures can include restricting access to the premises, requiring full right-to-work checks on all staff, and allowing immigration officers to carry out further inspections.
Such orders are typically used where previous enforcement action has failed to bring businesses into compliance.
Takeaway reopens amid investigation
The Herald understands the takeaway reopened on Monday (Mar 10) and began advertising for new staff the same day.
However, further action may follow, as the Home Office has also requested a review of the premises licence by Ceredigion County Council on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.
Government warning
A Home Office spokesperson said illegal working damages legitimate businesses and local wages, while also supporting organised immigration crime.
They added that enforcement activity is increasing nationwide, with a significant rise in arrests, and warned that further action will be taken against employers who break the law.
