The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application to transfer a premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for Best One. This meeting will also include a procedural report related to hearings under the Licensing Act 2003.

Application to Transfer Premises Licence and Vary Designated Premises Supervisor for Best One

The committee is scheduled to consider an application to transfer the premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for Best One, located at 5-7 Boxmoor Road, Romford, RM5 2SH. The applications were made by Mrs Gurmeet Kaur Hakimzada under sections 42 and 37 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Objections have been raised by the Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team on behalf of the Secretary of State, and by the Police. The Immigration Enforcement team's objection is based on concerns that the transfer would be prejudicial to the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises. They highlight that the contact details provided in the application are linked to Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, who is the husband of the proposed applicant, Gurmeet Kaur Hakimzada. Concerns are raised that Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada may retain effective control of the premises, citing previous civil penalties issued to GS Enterprises UK Limited, where he was a director, for employing individuals without the right to work in the UK.

The Police also object to the application, citing concerns regarding the legitimacy of the proposed arrangement. They note that the contact details provided appear to belong to Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, who previously had a premises licence revoked in 2018 due to the seizure of illegal tobacco and continued alcohol sales during a licence suspension. The Police also raise concerns about the proposed applicant residing approximately 60 miles away from the premises, suggesting a lack of genuine day-to-day control. They believe the application may be a DPS transfer by proxy, which would undermine the accountability safeguards within the Licensing Act 2003.

The committee will need to determine whether to grant or refuse the application to transfer the premises licence and vary the DPS. If the transfer is refused, the DPS variation application will no longer be valid, and the licence will revert to its previous holder and DPS.

Procedure for Hearings under the Licensing Act 2003

A report from the Clerk is scheduled for noting, which outlines the procedure for hearings conducted under the Licensing Act 2003. This report details the options available to the authority when considering applications with relevant representations, including modifying licence conditions, rejecting parts of an application, or granting the application if no steps are deemed necessary. The report also covers procedural steps for hearings, the roles of participants, and the determination process.