An off-licence in Southall, Ealing, has managed to retain its operating license despite being found to have employed an undocumented worker who was also involved in drug dealing. The Rivercity Superstore, located at 13 Dudley Road, was discovered to have a male employee working illegal, ten months after his visa had expired. This situation escalated during an immigration raid in November 2025, where the same individual was found working again. Illegal delivery riders arrested in a similar context highlight the ongoing issues in the area.
The worker admitted to working approximately „20 hours per week stacking shelves and working at the till.“ He was arrested for overstaying his visa, which had expired in July 2024 due to non-attendance at his university course. During the November raid, Mr. Kulwant Singh Bhatia, the husband of the shop’s license holder, Ms. Akritta Bhatia, reportedly called the officers and was „very irate and shouting“ at them, according to a report presented to Ealing Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee.
Continued Involvement Despite Previous Violations
Documents indicate that Mr. Bhatia was supposed to be barred from involvement with the business since 2023 after being found guilty of selling illegal tobacco. Council officers argued that his actions during the raid demonstrated his ongoing involvement with the shop. Mr. Bhatia told the officers that the worker was „legally entitled to work as he had checked the passport and other documents as that was [his] side of the business.“
According to Ms. Bhatia’s daughter, the family was misled by the illegal worker, who allegedly presented false documents to appear as a legal employee. She acknowledged that immigration checks were not properly conducted, describing it as a „mistake and an oversight.“
Claims of Drug Dealing and Pressure to Rehire
Ms. Bhatia’s daughter informed the committee that the worker had previously been employed at Rivercity Superstore when he was legally allowed to work in the UK. However, they later discovered that he was involved in drug dealing and other illegal activities outside of his working hours. Consequently, he was terminated from his position, but he was rehired shortly after.
Ms. Bhatia claimed that the father of the illegal worker had been calling her from India, „begging“ her to rehire his son despite his alleged involvement in drug dealing. Under pressure, she eventually agreed to bring him back, although she insists that she was unaware of the expiration of his visa.
Investigation and Future Compliance Measures
When initially questioned by immigration officers, the unnamed worker claimed that he had applied for another immigration card and was awaiting its arrival. During the November raid, Ms. Bhatia stated that she „had his passport at her home address and that he was allowed to work.“ However, when her daughter arrived at the shop to provide this proof, she could only present his provisional driving license.
The case is still under investigation by immigration enforcement, and it remains uncertain whether Ms. Bhatia or the business will face a fine of up to £40,000. To enhance compliance at the off-licence, a new premises supervisor has been appointed and is reportedly being compensated above the market rate.
Although Ealing Council’s licensing officers sought to revoke the shop’s alcohol sales license due to this incident, the councillors did not agree with this course of action. In their decision, Councillor Munir Ahmed outlined three new conditions that the shop must adhere to:
- Maintain written right to work check procedures in compliance with Home Office guidance.
- Keep a right to work record for each staff member on the premises.
- Ensure that a designated premises supervisor or license holder is present at the shop at all times when alcohol is sold.
For those with stories to share, contact philip.lynch@reachplc.com or reach out on X @pjlynchjourno. Stay updated with the latest news from West London by signing up for the MyWestLondon newsletter.
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Bildquelle: Foto von Jay Alexander auf Unsplash
