Betsy’s X Little Dessert Shop, a dining establishment in the West Midlands situated on Bore Street in Lichfield, has faced a suspension of its license for two months following concerns related to public safety.
The restaurant, previously allowed to operate until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, underwent a public hearing on September 8 where issues regarding crime, disorder, public safety, and nuisance were raised. It was disclosed during the hearing that in May 2025, a joint operation by licensing officers and immigration enforcement officers uncovered eight staff members residing on the premises, leading to an emergency prohibition order due to fire hazards and overcrowding.
A subsequent review by a licensing sub-committee revealed that the establishment had been violating its operating hours and failing to comply with license conditions, despite warnings and a police station interview. Environmental health and police officers expressed doubts about the management of the premises and called for the license to be revoked.
Following arguments by Duncan Craig, representing the license-holder, the panel decided to suspend the license for two months and imposed a litter-related condition on the license. The sub-committee also instructed officers to monitor the premises for any immigration or modern slavery concerns.
In other news, a recent report highlighted the financial struggles faced by care workers, with one in five living in poverty and one in ten experiencing food insecurity. The report emphasized the disparity in wages between care workers and other professions, pointing out the rise in exploitation and the impact on families of care workers. Calls for fair pay and improved working conditions for care workers have been amplified by campaigns like the Mirror’s Fair Care for All initiative.
Patricia Marquis, director of Royal College of Nursing in England, expressed dismay over the situation, stating that it is unacceptable for those caring for vulnerable individuals to be living in poverty. The lack of adequate compensation and support for care workers contributes to staffing shortages in care homes and affects the quality of care provided to those in need.
