Published: 2024-01-28 by, News Team in the Chiswick news category

The Hothouse Cafe Owner Faces License Revocation Over Illegal Worker Scandals

The Hothouse Cafe, located on Chiswick High Rd, has encountered legal repercussions for employing unauthorized workers on two occasions. In 2019 and again in 2023, the cafe owner, Samy Amer, was fined for this violation, with fines totaling £55,000.

Despite facing fines, Amer has submitted an application to renew the cafe's alcohol-serving license. However, the Home Office has urged the Hounslow Council's Licensing panel to revoke the license. Amer's accountant has emphasized that if the license is revoked, the cafe might be forced to shut down.

The cafe, known for its friendly ambiance and occasional Karaoke nights, operates from 11 am to 11 pm from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. However, despite positive feedback from customers, Amer has been caught twice employing staff without proper work authorization, paying them below the minimum wage.

The Home Office's Immigration Enforcement team uncovered illegal workers during visits in September 2019 and June 2023. These workers, including an Algerian chef, were found to be working without the legal right to do so. The Home Office emphasizes the need for a strict response to such criminal behavior, as it not only undermines the UK economy but also violates licensing objectives aimed at preventing crime and disorder.

In the first instance, four women were found to be working illegally, with one revealing she was paid £7 per hour in cash without presenting proper identification. In the subsequent visit, an Algerian chef, lacking lawful entry records, was discovered working at the cafe, corroborating claims of cash payments and tax evasion.

Amer's fines, £40,000 in 2019 and £15,000 in 2023, were upheld despite his objections. He claimed innocence but opted to pay the fines, advised by his solicitor to avoid more substantial penalties.

Employers are required to verify their employees' right to work, a process facilitated by the Home Office's online verification system. Despite Amer's supporters, including Cllr Joanna Biddolph, citing improved employee vetting procedures, concerns persist regarding the cafe's compliance with legal requirements.

The licensing panel must weigh the cafe's community contributions against its repeated breaches of employment laws before deciding on the license renewal.

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