The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee of Leicester City Council was scheduled to consider an application for a review of an existing premises licence for Victoria News and Booze. The meeting's agenda also included procedural items such as the appointment of a chair and declarations of interest.

Application for Review of Premises Licence - Victoria News and Booze

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a review of the existing premises licence for Victoria News and Booze, located at 81 Howard Road, Leicester. The report submitted by the Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services outlined the grounds for the review, which were related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

The report detailed concerns raised by Trading Standards regarding the sale of non-compliant goods, including vapes and tobacco products, and a failure in a test purchase for underage sales. It was noted that a previous review of the premises licence in 2009 had resulted in a condition stating that Mr Pavandeep Takhar should not be involved in the management or sale of alcohol at the premises. However, concerns were raised that Mr Takhar continued to work at the premises.

Representations were also received from Leicestershire Police, echoing concerns about underage sales, the possession and sale of illegal vape and tobacco products, lack of staff training, and poor management. These representations were made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

Conversely, a representation was received from a member of the public, which was described as a positive comment praising the premises and staff.

The report pack indicated that the Sub-Committee would need to consider various potential determinations, including rejecting the review application, modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking the licence. The report also referenced relevant sections of the Licensing Act 2003 guidance and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

The report pack also included details of the licensable activities and permitted hours for the premises, which included the supply of alcohol and opening hours from Monday to Saturday between 08:00 and 23:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 22:00.

The documents provided for the meeting included the Public reports pack Friday 23-Jan-2026 10.00 Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee.pdf and the Agenda frontsheet Friday 23-Jan-2026 10.00 Licensing Hearings Sub-Committee.pdf .¹