An Albanian man who entered the UK 'illegally' was found working without pay at a Stockport restaurant.

Immigration officials uncovered the situation at Rossini Restaurant in Gatley during an enforcement visit last year.

The restaurant is now at risk of losing its premises licence after the Home Office made an application to Stockport Council for a review.

According to a report by the Home Office published on the council's website, immigration officials decided to inspect the restaurant in June 2025 after a tip off about potential illegal workers.

They met seven members of staff at Rossini Restaurant during the visit, one of whom was confirmed to be 'employed illegally' without the right to work in the UK.

The man was given 'general' tasks to complete, such as clearing tables and greeting customers. He worked around three hours a day, typically from 3pm to 6pm, the Home Office report stated.

He is described in the report as an Albanian national who came to the UK on a lorry in February 2024.

A civil penalty of £40,000 was issued in August to 'La Bella Torino Ltd', the company registered at the premises.

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The fine has not yet been paid and was passed to a debt collection agency, the Home Office report explained.

The Albanian man who was found to be an 'illegal worker' at the restaurant has had his name redacted in the report.

The report stated: '[Redacted name] was encountered by officers working as front of house staff in the restaurant area of the premises. He was dressed all in black attire, just like the other staff at the premises.'

Officials learned that the man 'usually works around three hours a day' and is not paid, but is 'sometimes' given a meal.

The report went on: 'Home Office records show [redacted name] entered the UK illegally in February 2024. Не had his claim for protection withdrawn due to non-compliance in April 2025.

'At the time of the enforcement visit, there were no outstanding applications. [Redacted name] has never held the right to work in the UK.'

Renato Bakollari was named as the premises licence holder in the Home Office report. He told immigration officials that he 'sold the company 3 months ago', and provided details of the new owner, Ylli Vaka.

The licence allowed the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises between specific trading hours.

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The Home Office report set out that Mr Vaka 'confirmed his name and that he is the owner of Rossini Restaurant', but that he was 'unaware' of the man considered to be working at the venue illegally.

The report continued: 'According to Vaka, employees are hired and paid by the manager, not by himself.

'Vaka does not carry out any background checks, explaining that he lives in London and that this responsibility is handled by the manager.

'When asked for the manager's name, Vaka ended the call without providing an answer.'

The manager's name was redacted in the report.

During the enforcement visit in June last year, the 'illegal worker' had confirmed he was hired by premises licence holder Renato Bakollari, and that he 'had been assisting at the premises for approximately one week, working regular shifts.'

The Home Office report explained that there was a 'significant amount of confusion and inconsistencies between the owner and manager regarding responsibility for employing staff.

'Neither party carried out right-to-work or background checks, and both attempted to deny responsibility for [redacted name's] presence.'

The Home Office summarised: 'Rossini Restaurant under the control of Renato Bakollari has been found employing an illegal worker.

'The licence holder would have been aware of his responsibilities to uphold the licensing objectives as they are clearly defined as part of the premises licence application.

'Immigration enforcement asks that the premises licence is revoked.'

Stockport Council's licensing, environment and safety sub-committee will consider the application to review the premises licence on April 23.