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Home Office calls for York restaurant licence revocation over illegal worker
Overview
The Home Office is urging City of York Council to revoke the licence of the Turkish restaurant Yakamoz on Goodramgate after immigration officers found an illegal worker preparing food during a September 2025 raid. The worker, who entered the UK illegally in December 2023, claimed he was only having a cup of tea, but officers discovered photographic evidence and admissions that he helped in the kitchen. An unpaid £45,000 civil penalty was issued, and the operating company went into liquidation in July owing £60,911.
Key points
- The Home Office requested that City of York Council revoke the licence for Yakamoz restaurant in York.
- Immigration officers raided the premises in September 2025 and found an illegal worker preparing food in the kitchen.
- The worker claimed he was only visiting for a cup of tea, but officers found a photo on his phone showing him in a chef's uniform and discovered he lacked the legal right to work in the UK.
- A £45,000 civil penalty issued to the restaurant remains unpaid.
- Yakamoz York Ltd went into liquidation in July, owing £60,911 in total.