The Newport Council Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to consider a review of the premises licence for Vegas Kebab at 430 Chepstow Road, Newport. The meeting will also cover standard items, such as confirming the code of practice for the Licensing Sub-Committee.

Here's a breakdown of the key items on the agenda:

Vegas Kebab Licence Review

The primary focus of the meeting is an application to review the premises licence for Vegas Kebab, following an application made by Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The application for review cites the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

The report pack includes the reasons for the review:

On 07 November 2024, the Cardiff Immigration Compliance Enforcement (ICE) team visited Vegas Kebab, 430 Chepstow Road, Newport, South Wales, NP19 8JG after receiving intelligence that the business could be employing illegal workers. Entry to the premises was gained at approximately 21:01 hrs under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003. The officers encountered a total of 3 employees of which 1 was identified as an immigration offender.

According to the report pack, a civil penalty of £40,000 was issued to Medres Takeaway Ltd on 9 January 2025 for employing someone without the right to work in the UK. The penalty remains outstanding, and a debt recovery specialist was engaged on 1 April 2025.

The current premises licence holder is named in the report pack as Iskender Dogru, and the licence permits late night refreshment. The permitted hours for late night refreshment are:

• Sunday to Thursday: 23:00 to 00:00
• Friday and Saturday: 23:00 to 00:30

The report pack states that the Licensing Authority received a representation from Environmental Health on 9 September 2025, which relates to the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, and ensuring public safety. The representation concerns an alleged assault of an officer while carrying out their duties. The report pack notes that this matter is subject to an ongoing police investigation.

The report pack also mentions that Mr Iskender Dogru submitted a petition signed by customers of the premises. While the petition does not constitute a formal representation under the Licensing Act 2003, it may be considered as part of the applicant's supporting documentation.

The report pack includes several appendices, including:

• Appendix A: Review Application by Home Office Immigration Enforcement
• Appendix B: A copy of the premises licence
• Appendix C: Representation from Environmental Health
• Appendix D: Petition from Vegas Kebab Customers
• Appendix E: Location of the Licence Premises

The Licensing Sub-Committee is reminded of its powers, which include: modifying the conditions of the premises licence, excluding a licensable activity, removing the designated premises supervisor¹, suspending the licence for up to three months, revoking the licence, or taking no action.

The report pack also quotes revised guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which states:

The prevention of crime includes the prevention of immigration crime including the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises. Licensing authorities should work with Home Office Immigration Enforcement, as well as the police, in respect of these matters. Licence conditions that are considered appropriate for the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises might include requiring a premises licence holder to undertake right to work checks on all staff employed at the licensed premises or requiring that evidence of a right to work check, either physical or digital (e.g. a copy of any document checked as part of a right to work check or a clear copy of the online right to work check) are retained at the licensed premises.

Licensing Sub-Committee Code of Practice

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to confirm its code of practice. The Licensing Sub-Committee Code of Practice outlines the procedures and conduct expected of members during licensing hearings. It covers aspects such as membership, the role of ward councillors, lobbying, quorum, statutory guidance, and the organisation of cases.