The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss a report concerning a review of a premises licence. The meeting's agenda also outlined the procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings.

Review of Premises Licence for Transilvania Store Ltd t/a EU Mini Market

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a report concerning the premises licence for Transilvania Store Ltd, trading as EU Mini Market, located at 49 Golders Green Road, London NW11 8EL. The report, prepared by the Licensing Manager, Zekiel Cudjoe, detailed an application to review the licence under sections 51-52 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The application for review was made by Karl Schultz, Trading Standards Team Leader for the London Borough of Barnet, on the grounds of the alleged sale of non-duty paid cigarettes. The report indicated that the review application related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

The report outlined the steps the Licensing Sub-Committee could take if it considered them appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives. These steps, as set out in Section 52(4) of the Licensing Act 2003, include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence entirely.

The report detailed the history of the premises, noting that the licence holder was Transilvania Store Limited. It also included information on the licensable activities authorised by the licence, which permitted the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption between Monday and Sunday, 07:00 to 00:00. The hours the premises were open to the public were not restricted.

The report stated that no representations had been received either in support of or against the application for review. It also referred to the Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 for consideration.

The report's officer recommendation was that the Licensing Sub-Committee consider the application to review the premises licence. The report also noted that any decision made would not take immediate effect and would be subject to the period for appealing the decision.

The report pack included several annexes providing further detail, including the review application form and supporting information, the current premises licence, representations (which were noted as being blank), and relevant guidance. The application for review itself, submitted by Karl Schultz, detailed grounds relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety, citing previous seizures of illicit tobacco products on 13th February 2026 and 30th May 2025, and subsequent intelligence regarding continued sales. The application recommended the revocation of the premises licence.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure

The meeting also included a discussion of the Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Procedure, which is based on regulations made by the Secretary of State under the Licensing Act 2003. This procedure outlines the framework for ensuring natural justice and a fair hearing, including the roles of the Governance Officer and the Chair, the presentation of cases by parties, and the process for deliberation and determination. The procedure allows for a maximum of three minutes for each party to present their case, followed by a discussion. The report also detailed the process for when a determination is made at the end of the hearing, or within five working days. Information on appealing against a decision was also provided, outlining the process of appealing to Willesden Magistrates' Court.