A RESTAURANT in Wellington town centre could lose its premises licence after it was raided by immigration enforcement officers.

The Home Office has now applied for a review of the licence currently held by Tamarind Bay, which trades as Wellington Tandoori, in High Street.

A spokesperson said: “The licence holder has failed to meet the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, as illegal working has been identified at this premises.”

The restaurant, which opened in 2013, has been closed for a number of months with the windows blocked with newspaper to prevent views of the inside.

Property owner Shamim Miah told the Wellington Weekly he was not involved with the premises licence, which would have been held by his previous tenants, who had since left.

Mr Miah is advertising the property ‘to let’ and has displayed his telephone number in the front windows.

He said: “It was a restaurant and I do not know what happened.

“From day one for about 15 years it was a restaurant.

“I was never part of it and never running it.

“I do not know what happened, they could not run it and they have gone.

“A town like Wellington needs a sit-down restaurant, the community needs it, they need somewhere to go instead of going to Taunton where they if they have a drink they have to worry about getting back.

“It is good for the town and the community and supports employment.

“Hopefully, somebody will take over soon.

“I do not want the licence, I just need to rent the premises out.”

A premises licence is required by law where a property is being used for licensable activities such as the retail selling of alcohol or providing certain entertainment, including live music and film screenings, or serving hot food or hot drinks after 11 pm.

It is tied to the physical property rather than to an individual person and requires the four core licensing objectives to be met by operating in a way which prevents crime and disorder, ensures public safety, prevents public nuisance, and protects children from harm.

The licence review application by ‘Home Office Immigration Enforcement’ will be considered by Somerset Council’s licensing and regulatory committee, which is chaired by Cllr Simon Carswell.

The council is asking for any public comments on the application to be submitted to it by Wednesday, November 25.

The first committee meeting at which the application could then be considered by councillors is scheduled to be held on Monday, December 14.

A Tamarind Bay website which is still currently live says the restaurant offers diners ‘authentic Indian cuisine served with care in the heart of Wellington’.

It said the ‘comfortable dine-in setting’ was designed to create a ‘relaxed and welcoming space’ for families, couples, and small groups.

The website states: “Whether you are visiting us for a casual meal, a special occasion, or simply enjoying a night out in Wellington, Tamarind Bay offers an atmosphere that feels both friendly and inviting.”