A TAKEAWAY which police say was "used as a youth club" could lose its licence if councillors agree to a plea to revoke it.

Durham Police has raised a raft of concerns about Best Kebab One, in Bishop Auckland, including the employment of suspected illegal workers and its use as an unofficial youth club.

The force submitted an application to Durham County Council on August 20 asking for a review of the premises licence.

In its application, it states suspected illegal workers were found to be in the Fore Bondgate pizza shop in December 2017 and April this year.

The documents accuse the current premises licence holder, Rafiq Sala, as having given a false name to police on December 16 last year when it is alleged he was "obstructive" and shouted at officers.

On that visit, the applicant states the premises licence was not on display, there were no staff training records and fixed seating had been installed which was not on the licence plan.

The takeaway was closed temporarily during December after an inspection team found freestanding gas bottles supplying the premises.

In August 2017 police said a member of staff reported the CCTV had not worked for two years and Mr Sala said it was not working following the request for footage in December that year.

Best Kebab One was also subject to numerous reports of youth and staff anti-social behaviour (ASB) between October 2016 and December 2017.

The applicant adds: "While these reports have now significantly reduced, they show the premises was used as more of a youth club rather than a takeaway."

Durham Police's application has been given the backing of Mark Quinn, of Durham Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Mr Quinn raises concerns over reports of young and underage people drinking alcohol and engaging in ASB, reports of dangerous health and safety conditions and young females are "predominantly" being drawn to an establishment being investigated for suspected illegal workers.

The force also notes Mr Sala submitted an application to transfer the licence into his name in May, which was given interim effect.

Durham Police said Mr Sala has been in charge of the shop since December 2016 but believe this could be longer as the original licence holder was recorded by the UK Border Agency as having left the UK in 2011 and has not legally returned since.

DCC's statutory licensing sub-committee will meet to decide on the application at County Hall, in Durham, on Tuesday.