The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence with amendments to Vsands Trading Ltd, allowing them to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 10:00 and 23:00, with extended hours until 01:00 on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve/Day and bank holidays; and to open to the public between 07:00 and 23:30, with extended hours until 01:00 on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve/Day and bank holidays. The decision followed a hearing where concerns were raised by a local resident regarding potential crime and disorder. Several conditions were added to the licence to address these concerns.

Vsands Trading Ltd - New Premises Licence

The sub-committee considered a new premises licence application for Vsands Trading Ltd at 803 High Road, North Finchley. The application was for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises and the hours the premises are open to the public.

The Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence with amendments. The agreed standard hours are:

• Sale of alcohol: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 23:00
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 23:30

Non-standard hours (seasonal variations) on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Bank Holidays were also agreed:

• Sale of alcohol: 10:00 to 01:00
• Opening hours: 07:00 to 01:00

Objections

A representation was received from Ms Nakato Kiwana, a local resident, who objected to the application, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Ms Kiwana stated that there were already several establishments selling alcohol in the vicinity, including Nicks Supermarket, Confags newsagent, a Sainsbury's, and a Tesco Express. She claimed that the presence of such shops attracted motorbike delivery drivers and bad elements who contribute to anti-social behaviour and make women feel intimidated. She also expressed concern that smaller shops were more likely to sell alcohol to underage drinkers.

Conditions

The sub-committee agreed to add conditions to the licence, including those agreed between the applicant and the police, to address the concerns raised. These included:

1. A comprehensive CCTV system must be installed and maintained.
2. A staff member conversant with the CCTV system must be present at all times.
3. An incident log must be maintained.
4. A Challenge 25¹ policy must be implemented.
5. The premises must maintain clear and unobstructed escape routes.
6. Litter and waste must be properly managed.
7. Deliveries are not permitted between 23:00 and 08:00.
8. Notices must be displayed requesting patrons to respect local residents.
9. A direct telephone number for the manager must be publicly available.
10. No single cans or bottles of beer, lager, or cider above 6.5% ABV² shall be sold.
11. Self-service display shelves must be shuttered when alcohol sales are not permitted.
12. All spirits must be kept behind the till counter.
13. No miniature bottles of spirits (5cl or below) shall be sold.

The sub-committee removed some of the originally proposed conditions, including those relating to general activities and licensing hours, noise emanating from the premises, and speakers located outside the building, as they were deemed not relevant to the licensing objectives.

Considerations

The Licensing Officer, Zekiel Cudjoe, clarified that references to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2020 in the officer's report should have been to the Council's Licensing Policy of 2025.

The representative of the applicant, Mr Fahad Khan, stated that the applicant operated similar businesses in other areas without issues and that staff were trained to verify identification. He also confirmed that the business would not be using delivery partners.

The sub-committee noted that the presence of other similar businesses nearby was not a valid reason to refuse the application. They also stated that no evidence had been provided to link alleged anti-social behaviour to the premises.

The sub-committee noted Ms Kiwana's concerns that the Applicant's Representative was talking on behalf of the Applicant, but clarified that regulation 15 of The Licensing Act 2003 (Hearings) Regulations 2005 allows a party to be represented by any person, whether or not that person is legally qualified.

The sub-committee also referenced paragraph 2.27 of the Statutory Guidance, which states that individuals are responsible for their own behaviour outside the immediate vicinity of the premises.

Councillor Claire Farrier, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, stated that any party aggrieved by the decision may appeal to the local Magistrate's Court within 21 days of notification.