A restaurant in a historic English city has had its licence suspended after a raid discovered eight members of staff living in storerooms and offices. Lichfield District Council said it has suspended the premises licence granted to a city restaurant, Betsy’s X LDS in Bore Street.
Officials said the ban means the premises will have to cease supplying hot food and drink after 11pm each day, which the licence had permitted them to do on Friday and Saturday nights until 2am.
At a public hearing on 8 September 2025, the Licensing Sub-Committee heard representations from environmental health officers and police officers. The officers outlined that they had no confidence in the management of the premises and requested that the licence be revoked.
The review of the premises licence was held due to concerns about crime and disorder, public safety and public nuisance.
The sub-committee heard that officers had found the premises to be operating outside of the hours permitted by their licence and failing to comply with the conditions on the licence. The business had continued to do so over a period of four months, despite verbal and written warnings and an interview at a police station.
The sub-committee also heard that in May 2025 the premises was raided by licensing officers and immigration enforcement officers who found eight members of staff living at the premises.
Due to the significant threat from fire and overcrowding, environmental health officers had to serve an emergency prohibition order to require the people to leave.
After hearing representations made by Duncan Craig, a barrister acting on behalf of the licence-holder, the panel decided to suspend the licence for a period of two months.
It also added a condition to the premises licence about litter. The sub-committee asked officers to monitor the premises, and to follow up on immigration and modern slavery concerns.
Lichfield District Council said: “This body worn footage shows our environmental health officers at a local food business, where nine people were found sleeping on floors in overcrowded spaces – posing serious health and fire risks. “Emergency orders were issued, and we are working with partners to prevent further cases.
“Business are reminded: unsafe staff housing is illegal and action will be taken.
“Nobody deserves to live like this, if you have any information about unsafe of unlawful staff accommodation please report your concerns to our team.”