There were no declarations of interest.

Review of premises licence submitted by the Council Trading Standards Team as a responsible authority.

Following introductions, the Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the procedure to be followed.

The following were present at the hearing:

Members of the Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was asked to consider and determine a review of the premises license for:

Best Foods, 670 Romford Road, E12 5AJ andany valid representations made.

Mr Chislett presented the report and advised the Sub-Committee that the review application, submitted by the Council’s Trading Standards Team as a responsible Authority, was received by the Licensing Authority on 17 July 2012. 

The grounds of the review were on the licensing objectives of Prevention of Crime and Disorder, namely, possessing for sale of non duty paid alcohol and illicit cigarettes.

In response to a question from Councillor Desai, Mr Chislett confirmed that records have been updated in relation the licensing number.

George McDougal, Trading Standard Officer addressed the Sub-Committee explained that duty evaded goods were found on the premises following visits made on 15 March and 30 June.  He also explained the a large quantity of unclassified DVD’s, including 15 of a pornographic nature, plus two boxes of counterfeit D&G sunglasses were also seized during the second visit.

McDougal said that the applicant received a warning on the first visit.  He added the cigarettes included Marlbough Lights, but were mainly Russian brands, hidden in a number of different places with no explanation given.  The Vodka was also Russian brands.

Mr Chislett advised that he had received a call, via the call centre at approximately 9.20am this morning from the License holder’s husband, explaining that she was out of country and would not return until the end of September.  Mr Chislett advised that it would be in her interest to attend the hearing to request an adjournment.

Chair Vaughan asked if the License holder was present on the premises during the visits.  Mr Chislett said no, just the shop assistant.

There being no further statements or questions, the Licensing Sub-Committee resolved to exclude all parties and officers to allow for a deliberation in private at 10:40.  The Clerk and legal representative remained.

All parties returned at 10.59 for the decision of the Sub-Committee.

 Decision

This is a review by the Council’s Trading Standard Team for Best Foods, 670 Romford Road, London E12 on the grounds of the Prevention of Crime and Disorder.

The Sub-Committee noted that the Licence holder did not attend the hearing.  They were informed by the Licensing Officer, that her husband had telephoned about 9.20am to advise that the licence holder had been aboard since May, and was unable to attend.  The Officer had advised him to attend the hearing; however, by the start of the proceedings at 10:30am, he had not arrived.

The Sub-Committee heard from George McDougal, Trading Standards that a large quantity of duty evaded cigarettes were found and seized on the premises during a joint visit by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.