A fresh bid to serve alcohol at a town centre restaurant is set to be scrutinised after concerns were raised over alleged links to previous immigration offences.
Councillors will meet on Friday, March 27 to decide whether to grant a new premises licence for Mumbai Kitchen, an Indian restaurant offering eat-in and takeaway services at 46–48 Bampton Street in Tiverton.
The application, submitted on February 6 on behalf of Jamal Uddin by agent Olu Olusola, originally sought permission for the sale of alcohol from midday until 11pm daily, alongside late-night refreshment.
However, following concerns raised by planning authorities about existing restrictions on the site, the application was amended. The revised proposal now seeks permission to sell alcohol and operate between 12:00 and 22:00 each day.
The Licensing Sub-Committee will consider the application after a representation was submitted by Immigration Enforcement, raising concerns linked to the prevention of crime and disorder.
In its submission, Immigration Enforcement outlined a history of enforcement activity at the premises, including multiple civil penalties relating to illegal working involving six individuals.
The representation also highlights an alleged connection between the proposed designated premises supervisor and the previous premises manager, citing a shared residential address.
Immigration Enforcement stated: “On the balance of probabilities, the Mumbai Kitchen restaurant is likely to revert to being run by the current manager… It is considered that the prevention of crime and disorder objective would be prejudiced if the application is allowed.”
The premises has previously been subject to licensing action. In November 2025, councillors revoked its licence, concluding that doing so was necessary to promote the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder.
No objections have been received from members of the public.
Devon and Cornwall Police have agreed a set of additional licence conditions with the applicant, while planning officers have confirmed they have no further objections following the amendment to operating hours.
Councillors must now determine the application based on the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
They have the option to grant the licence as requested, impose conditions, refuse parts of the application, or reject it entirely. A decision must be made within five working days of the hearing.
