The Licensing Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss a report concerning a premises licence review. The primary focus of the meeting was the review of the licence for Transilvania Store Ltd, trading as EU Mini Market, located at 49 Golders Green Road, NW11 8EL. The committee was scheduled to consider the Licensing Officer's report and any associated documentation.

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

The main item scheduled for discussion was the review of the premises licence for Transilvania Store Ltd, trading as EU Mini Market, at 49 Golders Green Road, London NW11 8EL. The report of the Licensing Officer, Zekiel Cudjoe, detailed an application for review made under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003¹.

The application for review was submitted by Karl Schultz, Trading Standards Team Leader for the London Borough of Barnet, on behalf of the Trading Standards authority. The grounds for the review were the alleged sale of non-duty paid cigarettes from the premises. The Trading Standards authority indicated that the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety were relevant to their application.

The report outlined the history of the premises, noting that the licence was first issued on 18 April 2015, with Transilvania Store Ltd being the licence holder since 16 June 2024. The premises licence authorises the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption between Monday and Sunday, from 07:00 to 00:00. The hours the premises are open to the public are not restricted.

The report stated that no representations, either in support or against the review application, were received from responsible authorities or other parties following the consultation period.

The Licensing Officer's report detailed previous enforcement activity. This included an inspection on 30 May 2025, which resulted in a seizure and a formal warning issued in June 2025. Further intelligence suggested continued sales of illegal products. A joint operation with the Golders Green and Cricklewood ward Safer Neighbourhoods team on 13 February 2026 led to the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal cigarettes and tobacco. The company director, Sohaib Ranjbar, was present and unable to get the CCTV to work. Subsequent intelligence on 13 March 2026 indicated continued sales, with staff selling small quantities to trusted customers. A visit on this date, with police, observed a staff member taking illegal cigarettes to the rear of the premises to offer to a member of the public.

The report highlighted that the application sought to revoke the premises licence in its entirety. The grounds for this recommendation were based on the prevention of crime and disorder, citing persistent and serious non-compliance, including multiple breaches of tobacco and trade mark legislation, and the possession of smuggled goods contrary to Section 144 of the Licensing Act 2003. The report also noted that the availability of illicit tobacco at reduced prices could facilitate the supply of age-restricted goods and contribute to anti-social behaviour.

The report referred to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025² and the Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003³ as relevant considerations. The officers' recommendation was that the Licensing Sub-Committee consider the application to review the premises licence. The report outlined the potential steps the Sub-Committee could take under Section 52 of the Licensing Act 2003, which include modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking the licence.

The meeting was also scheduled to follow the Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings Procedure, which outlines the process for presenting cases, questioning officers and applicants, and the committee's deliberation and decision-making process.