The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 13 May 2026. The primary focus of the meeting will be to consider an application to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for the premises known as Food for Less. The committee will also review the established procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings.

Application to Vary Designated Premises Supervisor at Food for Less

A key item on the agenda is the consideration of an application to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for the premises Food for Less, located at 20 Watling Avenue, Edgware HA8 0LR. The application has been submitted by Kappuccino (UK) Ltd.

The report pack indicates that the Metropolitan Police Service has submitted an objection to this application. The objection is based on concerns that the proposed appointment of Darius Andrei Solovastru as DPS could undermine the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder. This concern stems from an ongoing review of the premises licence following serious alleged criminal activity, including the storage of non-duty-paid tobacco, the sale of illicit medicines, unlabelled alcohol, and a failed test purchase for illegal cigarettes. Police enquiries suggest that Mr Solovastru may have been involved in the running of the premises during the period of alleged criminality.

The committee is expected to consider the representation from the Chief Officer of Police, the Statutory Revised Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003¹, and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy². The decision will be focused solely on the crime prevention objective. The committee has the power to either grant or reject the application to vary the DPS.

The report pack includes the application to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor, the current premises licence, police representations and supporting evidence, revised guidance, and matters for decision.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings Procedure

The committee is also scheduled to review the established procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings. This procedure, outlined in the document LBBLicensingSubCommitteeHearingsProcedure_.pdf, is based on regulations made under the Licensing Act 2003³ and is designed to ensure natural justice and a fair hearing. The procedure details the steps involved in a hearing, including the appointment of a chair, the presentation of cases by applicants and other parties, and the deliberation and determination process.