The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for New Barnet Supermarket, 20-24 Station Road, Barnet. The licence was granted, subject to conditions agreed with the Police.

Application for New Barnet Supermarket, 20-24 Station Road, Barnet

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for New Barnet Supermarket, 20-24 Station Road, Barnet for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 07:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

Ms Auf der Mauer, a licensing agent representing the applicant, Mr Gulabbas Mohammed Zaheer, stated that the shop would primarily operate as a convenience store selling fresh fruit and vegetables, with alcohol sales only expected to constitute 10-15% of overall sales.

The Metropolitan Police had initially objected to the application, but withdrew their objection after the applicant agreed to a number of additional conditions. These included that no high-strength beers, lagers or ciders above 6% ABV would be sold; no single cans or miniatures of beer, lager or cider would be sold; and that a “Challenge 25” policy would be in place for all alcohol sales.

All staff will be provided with training in relation to the licensing objectives that are commensurate with their duties. This will include the individual’s responsibilities, age verification and licensing offences, as appropriate. Details of the training will be recorded in a personnel file or log book and will be refreshed at regular intervals. -Agreed condition on the licence as part of the application (Public reports pack 29th-Jan-2025 10.30 Licensing Sub-Committee: Annex 3)

An objection from a member of the public, Mr Shaji Surendran, was received in which he claimed to have been sold alcohol at the premises in contravention of the Licensing Act 2003. Mr Surendran did not attend the meeting.

The representation received from Mr Shaji Surendran raised concern regarding the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder. The objection, dated 25th December 2024, stated that they had been sold alcohol by the Premises. The representation did not state the date when they had purchased alcohol from the premises. -(Printed minutes 29th-Jan-2025 10.30 Licensing Sub-Committee)

Ms Auf der Mauer informed the Sub-Committee that her client had been visited at the shop by another local business owner and told not to apply for a premises licence. In light of this, it was her belief that Mr Surendran's objection was vexatious. The Sub-Committee heard that the applicant had been in possession of two Temporary Events Notices (TENs: A temporary event notice (TEN) is a temporary licence that allows you to carry out licensable activities on one-off occasions, such as the sale of alcohol) following the submission of the application, which had permitted the sale of alcohol at the premises between 18 December 2024 and 1 January 2025, and that Mr Surendran may therefore have purchased alcohol from the premises lawfully.

The Sub-Committee resolved to grant the licence.

Taking all things into account, the panel unanimously decided to grant the licence for the provision of the supply of alcohol off the Premises, Monday to Sunday 07:00 hours to 23:00 hours together with the agreed Police conditions. -(Printed minutes 29th-Jan-2025 10.30 Licensing Sub-Committee)