The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Vape'z N Go, located at 138-140 Heath Road, Twickenham. The committee heard representations from the applicant and local residents, and ultimately decided to grant the licence with conditions.

Vape'z N Go Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee heard an application for a new premises licence for Vape'z N Go, a small convenience store at 138-140 Heath Road, Twickenham. The application was for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 8am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday. The premises itself would be open from 6am to 11pm daily.

The application was opposed by two local residents, Sandra Kukreja and Terry Clark. Their main concerns centred on the premises' history of selling age-restricted items, including alcohol, to underage individuals. They also raised concerns about potential increases in anti-social behaviour and the cumulative impact of having another alcohol retailer in an area that already has three within a short walking distance.

Mr Maninder Singh Grover, the applicant, represented by Mr Panchal, stated that he had previous experience in off-licences and licensed bars. He emphasised that this was a family-run business and that all staff would receive comprehensive training, including on age verification procedures and the use of a Challenge 25 policy. Mr Grover also clarified that there was no connection between his business and the previous management of the premises, which had a history of licence issues. He confirmed that his company name is Manit Grover Ltd.

The committee questioned Mr Grover and Mr Panchal regarding the applicant's experience, the status of the company Vape'z N Go Limited (which was the previous owner's company name), and the proposed operating hours. It was noted that the premises would open two hours before alcohol sales could commence.

Russ Stevens, the Principal Licensing Officer, confirmed that all statutory requirements had been met. He also highlighted that the premises was located just outside the Twickenham Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone¹.²

After considering all representations and evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the application for a new premises licence. The decision was made subject to a number of conditions, which included:

• The implementation of a Challenge 25 policy at all times.
• Installation and maintenance of a CCTV system compliant with Home Office guidance, with recordings kept for 31 days and made available to the police and authorised officers.
• All staff to be trained in responsible alcohol retailing.
• An incident log to be kept and made available for inspection.
• Staff training to be documented and based on legislation and operating procedures.
• All alcohol to be purchased from AWRS registered cash and carry wholesalers.
• No self-service of spirits.
• Invoices for alcohol, tobacco, and vape products to be made available upon request.
• Previous management, Mr Manmit Golati and Mr Chandeep Singh Arora, to be banned from the property.
• Fire exit signs to be displayed and compliance with all current fire, health, and safety laws.
• A notice to be displayed asking customers to leave quietly.
• A strict policy to be in place not to serve alcohol to intoxicated individuals.
• Acceptable photographic identification for age verification to include passports, photo-card driving licences, or PASS hologram-bearing proof of age cards.
• A refusal book to be kept and updated as required.
• A sign stating No proof of age No sale to be displayed at the point of sale.

The Sub-Committee determined that these conditions were appropriate for promoting the four licensing objectives.