it was “concerned about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals”
A Kenilworth restaurant has had its alcohol licence revoked after a Home Office immigration investigation found illegal working at the premises.
In May 2025, four Bangladeshi men were arrested at Indian Edge, located on Warwick Road.
Three were arrested for working in breach of immigration rules, while another was arrested for breaching bail conditions. All four were later bailed.
Warwick District Council’s licensing and regulatory committee decided to revoke the licence held by Indian Edge after concluding that the licence holder had “demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the law” in relation to the employment of staff.
The case was brought before councillors following concerns raised by the Home Office that the business had failed in its responsibility to prevent crime and disorder, after illegal working was identified at the restaurant.
The committee met behind closed doors on November 5, with the council publishing its decision notice afterwards.
Although the licence holders were not named in the notice, Warwick District Council’s licensing register lists Ruhell Ahmed Ali as the designated premises supervisor for Indian Edge, a licence he has held since October 2014.
In its decision, the committee said it was “concerned about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals” and concluded that the premises was “not operated in a way which promotes the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder”.
Councillors also considered several factors.
This included the significant civil penalty imposed on the business, which was upheld on appeal, and the fact that the council had not previously taken enforcement action.
The decision notice further acknowledged that the penalty was being paid in instalments, that “current staff employed at the premises all appear to have the right to work” and the licensee’s “positive engagement” with immigration officials.
The licensee’s legal representative proposed additional conditions to allow the restaurant to retain its alcohol licence, while a change of designated premises supervisor was also considered.
However, councillors ultimately decided that revocation was the appropriate course of action.
The decision does not prevent Indian Edge from continuing to operate as a restaurant, but it can no longer serve alcohol.
The licensee has 21 days to appeal the decision to a magistrates’ court.
