AN award-winning Bolton restaurant could have its licence revoked after it played host to an illegal wedding last month.

This newspaper reported how police were called to Hot Chilli on Dunscar Business Park in Egerton amid reports of a large gathering on February 26.

It transpired that an illegal wedding with more than 50 guests was taking place in what was a breach of lockdown rules at the time.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the popular Indian restaurant’s licence is now up for discussion.

Licensing reviews can have a number of outcomes, including a suspension of the licence or having it revoked completely, meaning it would be required to cease trading.

Conditions or modifications could also be added to the licence, held by Mohammed Bodorul Alom.

The eaterie was named National Champion of Champions at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. in 2019.

In a notice a Bolton Council official said: “On Sunday, February 21 at 3pm, the police attended Hot Chilli Restaurant at Unit 1a Dunscar Industrial Estate, Blackburn Road, Egerton, Bolton to find that a wedding was going on with around 50 plus people in attendance inside the restaurant.

“The bride and groom were not in attendance, however the customers were all sitting down at tables in the restaurant awaiting service.

“This was clearly a pre-arranged gathering event in the form of a wedding.

"By being open on this day with 52 adults and children mixing has put everyone at risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to others in the area.”

This contradicts what venue bosses told The Bolton News at the time, when a spokesperson said that they were under the impression a meeting of only six people was to be taking place at the premises.

It is the view of Bolton Council's licensing department that by the restaurant being open and trading, this has caused the risk of infections spreading as a result of the activities taking place within the premises.

The date of the review hearing is yet to be arranged, and any interested party or responsible authority may make representations in writing to Bolton Council’s licensing team by April 16.

Hot Chilli bosses have been contacted for comment but were unavailable last night.