TWO Hereford takeaways have been stripped of their licences following investigations by Herefordshire Council.

The council’s licensing sub-committee agreed to revoke the premise licences of Sweet Chilli restaurant on Bridge Street and Spice Minister on Widemarsh Street.

The licence review into 9+9 Cantonese Takeway (known as Spice Minister) was carried out after two Bangladeshi men who worked there were detained by immigration enforcers on April 7.

After officers entered the premises and made their way to the kitchen, the two men were seen running out of the rear but were caught after a short chase.

One of them was arrested as he had no right to be in the country and had previously been detained. The second man is subject to an ongoing asylum claim.

The review into Spice Chilli was launched after the restaurant changed hands and the licence wasn’t transferred.

West Mercia police visited the premises after they were made aware the restaurant no longer had a supervisor.

As a result, officers gave the necessary paperwork to make a transfer to a man at the restaurant known as Mr Ahmed.

Officers returned on February 18 and served a section 19 closure notice on Mr Ahmed as the premises were open and serving alcohol.

The licensing authority contacted Mr Ahmed and advised him that he needed to apply for a transfer and change of premises supervisor.

He told the council on February 22 that he had applied for a personal licence but, upon checking, licensing officers were unable to accept it as he did not live in Herefordshire.

Mr Ahmed was then served with a second closure notice on March 28 and the licensing authority wrote to him saying the council had sent him the necessary forms to complete on four separate occasions.

He applied for a new premises licence, but the application was rejected as it failed to comply with legislation.

Police officers visited the restaurant again on March 30 and alcohol still appeared to be being sold.

The council rejected a further application on April 4 to grant a premises licence for Mr Ahmed as it still failed to comply with legislation and the review was launched.

The licensing authority says applicant Mr Ahmed was given help and advice on eight occasions.