Sheepwalk Tavern Fined for Employing Illegal Workers

Licensing officers were abused by drunk man during inspection

The Sheepwalk Tavern is now also known as Mendes Sheepwalk.Picture: Google Streetview

February 5, 2025

The Sheepwalk Tavern, in Market Place Acton has been fined for employing illegal workers and must now pay a sum of £45,000 over three years.

In September 2024, following a tip off, Ealing Council licensing officers and immigration services attended the bar and restaurant, also known as Mendes Sheepwalk, to conduct an inspection. Upon entering the basement area, they encountered a man dressed in a chef’s uniform.

The male was found to be an overstaying his UK visa, and therefore working illegally. A woman, working in the basement, was also found to be working illegally and declined to answer any questions.

One ‘drunk’ male at the bar began to shout at officers. He said, “Why don’t you do something useful and arrest the drug dealers?”

This ‘irate and aggressive’ behaviour led to the man swearing at the licensing officers. When he was told to leave the situation because he was drunk, he shouted, “You should never say that to a drunk person!”

The officers spoke to a man who identified himself as the manager of the restaurant Mr Rogerio Figuiera Mendes. He also is said to have also become agitated, demanding the officers leave, answering no comment to all questions.

Duncan Greg, legal representative for the Sheepwalk Tavern told councillors, “Rogerio’s position is that he misapprehended what employment was or wasn’t. With this individual he was of the view the person wasn’t employed. The law is clear that someone carrying out certain duties even if not for reward… it is employment.”

He reminded councillors that the restaurant has perfect record because it has never been at threat of losing its licence. Since 2005 there had been no complaints or investigations and Mr Mendes has managed the venue since 2016.

When presented to the licensing sub-committee, council officers sought to have the premises licence revoked. However, during the investigation Mr Mendes’ father, passed away so it was agreed to settle with of the £45,000 fine, among other conditions including the removal of Mr Mendes as the Designated Premises Supervisor. The new licence holder must also carry out right to work checks on every employee before trial shifts and must retain these documents securely on the premises and be able to produce them without delay to relevant authorities upon inspection.

Licensing Officer Robert Dear said, “The area has already lost three licensed premises within 500 meters of this one. We can ill-afford to lose a good premises. I believe this is a one-off.”

Philip James Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter