Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest,

It was confirmed that all items would be considered in public.

None.

Introduction by Licensing Officer:

The Licensing Officer, Mr Ian Meens, introduced the review and informed the Sub-Committee that this was an application for the review of a Premises Licence at Cost Cut Express, 1278 Uxbridge Road, Hayes, UB4 8JF, initiated by Trading Standards. A further representation in support of the applicant was received from the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Meens detailed a multi-agency operation to the premises on 10 October 2017, during which a quantity of illicit tobacco was seized.

The Sub-Committee heard that an effort has been made by the applicant to find a resolution with the applicant and responsible authorities, and highlighted an addendum which included a number of proposed conditions, in addition to those proposed in the agenda pack, that were to be imposed upon the licence holder. Members were informed that the licence holder had agreed to these conditions and a one-month suspension of the premises licence.

Mr Meens confirmed that all parties felt that the proposed conditions were sufficient to ensure that the licence holder would adhere to the licensing objectives at the premises in the future.

Representation by the Applicant:

Mr Martin King, Trading Standards Manager, addressed the Sub-Committee, noting that the application for a premises licence review supported the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

The Sub-Committee heard that the multi-agency operation on 10 October 2017 involved the Metropolitan Police, London Borough of Hillingdon officers, brand representatives from the tobacco and alcohol industry, as well as a tobacco detection dog and dog handler.

Two members of staff were present at the premises during the operation, but neither were the owner. A call was made to Mr Jasbir Singh Kapoor, one of the two directors associated with the premises, who spoke with Trading Standards and informed them that no illicit goods were on the premises.

Concealed tobacco was then found behind the counter and in the rear store room. 2,278 cigarettes were seized, of which 160 were counterfeit, 1,200 non-duty paid, and 918 had non-standardised packaging. In addition, 600g of counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco was found, along with 2,377g of non-duty paid tobacco, which was largely chewing tobacco and lacked the required health warnings. The estimated value of the goods seized was £515.

The Sub-Committee heard that DH Enterprises were associated with the premises but neither director was present during the operation. Members were informed that there was no other adverse history on the trader, but the conduct of the owners amounted to a disregard of the law. Mr King confirmed that Trading Standards requested the premises licence be suspended for a period of one month, and a number of conditions be imposed on the licence thereafter.

Representation by the Interested Parties:

PC Dave Butler of the Metropolitan Police addressed the Sub-Committee and noted his support for the review of the premises licence. PC Butler confirmed that the Police were present at the multi-agency operation at the premises, and noted that the premises licence holder had not followed the law, and it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.