A Brighton landlady has firmly denied underpaying workers despite the Government including the pub in its latest list naming and shaming businesses.
Saint James Tavern in Madeira Place did not pay £1,839.05 to ten workers, the Government said.
The figure came from a list published on Thursday by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade.
The Kemp Town watering hole was one of 18 businesses in Sussex named for failing to pay the national minimum wage.
Victoria Bennett, the landlady of Saint James Tavern, said that this was the first she had heard of the situation, and both her and supervisor Mason Wake have stated that the information is not true.
Both confirmed: "All of our staff are at least on minimum wage."
Mr Wake said: "Everyone here is a family."
Ms Bennett has been the landlady of Saint James Tavern for the last five years. She said that they had no outstanding claims.
In April of this year the government set up a new enforcement body, the Fair Work Agency, aimed at bringing all workers rights issues under one roof.
The agency will offer employers guidance on following the rules and help workers across the UK get the wages they have earned.
An estimated 6,300 workers have been found to be owed £1.1 million after being underpaid, with around £1.9 million in total penalties being issued to those responsible.
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This is the first 'naming round' which is part of the government's commitment to publish naming lists more regularly so that bosses are held to account and improvements can be made.
Kate Dearden, Minister for the Future of Work said: "Underpaying your staff is illegal, and we will not let workers foot the bill for their boss failing to follow the rules.
"We're making sure workers get the hard-earned pay they deserve, and where employers fall short, they will be held to account.
"Every employer should check their payroll now and reach out to Acas if they need further support."
Matthew Taylor, Chair of the Fair Work Agency Advisory Board said: "The Fair Work Agency is here to make it easier for employers to understand and meet their responsibilities while taking firm action where workers are denied pay they are legally owed.
"This naming round is an important reminder that paying the minimum wage is not optional- it is the law.
"Most employers want to do the right thing, and we will support them to comply, but those who fall short should expect robust enforcement to protect workers and maintain a fair playing field for responsible businesses.
"We are urging all employers to check their payroll, review their processes and correct any mistakes now, so every worker receives the pay they are entitled to."
As of April 2026, minimum wage is £8 for an apprentice and those under 18, £10.85 for those between 18 and 20 and £12.71 for anyone 21 and over.
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