The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council decided not to grant a licence transfer and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) variation for The Drink Cellar. The committee cited concerns regarding the proposed DPS's suitability and the applicant's ability to exercise genuine control over the premises.

Application to Transfer Premises Licence and Vary Designated Premises Supervisor at The Drink Cellar

The committee considered two applications for The Drink Cellar, located at 59 Chippenham Road, Romford, RM3 8HL, one to transfer the premises licence and another to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). These applications followed a previous review of the premises licence due to concerns about bad practice.

The Metropolitan Police objected to the applications, primarily due to concerns about the proposed DPS, Hashveen Kaur Hakimzada. PC Chris Stoppman, Police Licensing Officer, highlighted that the contact details provided for Ms. Hakimzada appeared to belong to her father, Gherman Singh Hakimzada. Mr. Hakimzada had a premises licence revoked in 2018, which PC Stoppman noted as a serious step. The police also raised concerns about the proposed DPS residing approximately 60 miles away from the venue, questioning her ability to exercise genuine day-to-day control and suggesting the arrangement might be a transfer by proxy.

During the hearing, Hashveen Kaur Hakimzada explained that her father, while experienced, was only guiding her and had no direct involvement in the business. She stated her intention to dedicate herself fully to the business once her current employment at Specsavers concluded. However, the committee expressed concerns about her limited direct experience in running an off-licence and her availability, given her four-day-a-week job.

The applicant's agent, Mr. Panchal from PSP, PLC UK Limited, apologised for the error in using the father's contact details and assured the committee that Ms. Hakimzada understood the licensing objectives and had plans for staff training and operational procedures.

Despite assurances, the subcommittee ultimately decided not to grant the licence transfer and DPS variation. They stated that written reasons for the refusal would be provided within five days, and the applicant has 21 days to appeal the decision. The committee clarified that the existing licence remained with the previous licence holder, Mr. Salil Madan, and the refusal meant Ms. Hakimzada did not currently hold a licence for the premises.