TWO off-licences in Witham and Halstead have had their licences to sell alcohol revoked, after a council committee heard illegal workers had been employed in the shops.

Costcutters in Halstead High Street and Nisa Stores in Cross Road, Witham were raided by Home Office immigration enforcement officers last November, police said.

An illegal worker was arrested at each store.

Braintree Licensing Authority’s sub-committee revoked the licences of both stores to sell alcohol.

Members heard the proprietor of the stores had not made the proper checks on the employment status of staff.

The raid is the latest to follow an agreement between Eastern Region Immigration officers and Essex Police.

It will see police licensing staff investigate each time the enforcement service detain illegal workers at premises which sell alcohol or serve hot food after 11pm.

Gordon Ashford, licensing coordinator at Essex police said, "This is a good result which sends a clear message to any in the licensed trade tempted to employ illegal workers.

"The overwhelming majority of businesses in Essex are highly responsible but anyone employing illegal workers risks a £20,000 fine and the loss of their businesses.

"Our work with the Home Office and with local authority partners is building intelligence and evidence about similar cases across the county.

"Employing illegal workers is exploitative, deprives the public purse of tax and national insurance income and can often be linked to organised crime.”