An Indian restaurant in Tiptree has had its alcohol licence revoked after illegal workers were found at the site.

Colchester Borough Council’s licensing committee last week approved an application from Essex Police, which followed a raid on The Balti Raj – trading as RML – on Station Road back in March.

During the raid immigration officers found three illegal workers, two of which were handed over to the Home Office for removal from the UK.

The committee heard that no right to work checks had been carried out by the restaurant’s management, although the new owner claimed this had been under the previous owner.

Stephen Sparrow, licensing officer for Essex Police, said: “We will continue to work with our partners to check that businesses are employing legitimate members of staff, and are not abusing those workers, other businesses and the community.

“Colchester Borough Council agreed the actions of RML were so serious that the business could no longer operate with a premises licence.

“The right checks were not carried out and the three men were found to be working illegally and living in appalling conditions.

“I hope this case sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate businesses who think they can cheat the system. If you employ illegal workers it is just a matter of time until you are caught and action is taken against you.”

Mike Lilley, borough councillor for licensing, said: “This appalling case shines a light on the brutality of modern slavery and the vulnerability of the victims caught up in this vile practice.

“Only by continuing our collaboration and co-operation with the police and other agencies will we see any progress towards tackling this problem, which is so often hidden in plain sight in our communities.

“I remain hopeful that, through the combined efforts of our licensing team, the police and our other community safety partners, we will continue to deliver an effective response to modern slavery, wherever it is uncovered, and that it will remain one of our key community safety priorities.”

Information to help employers carry out checks can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/employers-illegal-working-penalties.