The Licensing Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 9 January 2025 to review the premises licence for Stoke Convenience Store. The committee resolved to revoke the premises licence for Stoke Convenience Store due to persistent breaches of licensing objectives, including the sale of alcohol to minors and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.

Review of Stoke Convenience Store Licence

The primary focus of the meeting was the review of the premises licence for Stoke Convenience Store, located at 59 Stoke Road, Aylesbury. This review was initiated following a closure order issued by High Wycombe Magistrates Court under section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Representations were received from three responsible authorities: the Licensing Authority, Thames Valley Police, and the Weights and Measures Authority (Trading Standards). These representations highlighted significant concerns regarding the promotion of the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.

Evidence presented detailed persistent non-compliance with existing licence conditions. This included the routine sale of illicit tobacco and vapes, and evidence of the sale of alcohol to underage individuals. The report from Trading Standards Officer Ian Smith outlined numerous instances since 2022 where illegal tobacco and vapes were seized, and underage sales of alcohol and vapes were reported. For example, on 17 November 2024, a test purchase resulted in the sale of counterfeit Lambert and Butler cigarettes. Furthermore, a closure order was granted by Milton Keynes Magistrates Court on 3 December 2024, closing the premises for one month.

Thames Valley Police, represented by Licensing Officer Trevor Hooper, also submitted representations detailing multiple instances of underage sales of alcohol. A letter dated 29 October 2024 to the licence holder, Mr Suthakaran Krishnapillai, highlighted the sale of vodka to 15-year-old males, despite ID being requested. Another representation dated 25 June 2024 detailed further underage sales of alcohol and cigarettes, leading Thames Valley Police to request the revocation of the licence.

The Licensing Authority, through Senior Licensing Officer Catriona Crelling, provided a representation detailing a history of non-compliance, including a visit in July 2023 where a high level of non-compliance was found, such as the absence of a premises licence summary and staff training records. Despite advice and warnings, these issues persisted.

The licence holder, Mr Suthakaran Krishnapillai, accepted in oral submissions that he had failed to comply with licence conditions and had knowingly sold counterfeit tobacco and vapes. He stated this was to compete with other local businesses selling illegal products. While he did not fully accept the evidence of selling alcohol to children, the Panel found on the balance of probabilities that this had occurred.

The Panel considered the evidence and relevant legislation, including the Licensing Act 2003 and the Home Office Guidance issued under section 182. They noted that previous informal attempts to work with the premises to improve standards had been insufficient. The Panel concluded that the licence holder had shown a complete disregard for the law and that the sale of alcohol and illicit goods undermined the licensing objectives.

Given the persistent nature of the offences and the lack of faith in the premises upholding lawful business practices, the Panel resolved to revoke the premises licence. The revocation will take effect from the end of the period for appealing the decision, or from the date an appeal is disposed of. The decision notice states that any future sale of alcohol from the premises would constitute a criminal offence.