Turkish restaurant in Horsham loses licence after illegal worker discovered
A restaurant in Horsham town centre has had its premises licence removed after immigration officers found an employee working there illegally.
Turkuaz, based in Piries Place, appeared before Horsham District Council’s licensing sub-committee on Monday (24 November), following a request from the Home Office to review the venue’s licence.
The investigation stemmed from a Home Office visit in late January, only a few months after the restaurant first opened. Officers acted on information suggesting the restaurant was hiring people without the legal right to work in the UK.
During the visit, officials found a man washing dishes in the kitchen. He had entered the UK in October 2024 on a six-month visitor visa, which did not permit employment of any kind. He told officers he had been working at the restaurant for about a month and was being paid £450 per week.
As a result, the business was issued with a £40,000 civil penalty in April. According to the Home Office, the fine has not been paid.
At the licensing hearing, a Home Office representative said that employing people without the legal right to work directly undermines licensing objectives aimed at preventing crime and disorder. They added that simple “right to work” checks would have exposed the issue at the outset.
The representative also noted that another branch linked to the same licence holder is currently subject to a separate review after immigration officers allegedly found three illegal workers at that location.
Turkuaz’s licence previously allowed the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments until 1am, and various entertainment activities including live and recorded music.
A spokesperson acting for the venue’s designated premises supervisor, Cedvet Mutlu, apologised on his behalf but questioned whether employers are legally obliged to verify a candidate’s right to work.
Mr Mutlu has 21 days to appeal the council’s decision at a Magistrates’ Court.
After the hearing, sub-committee chair Victoria Finnegan said revoking the licence was considered a proportionate response based on the evidence presented.
