The Licensing Sub-Committee of Powys Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 23 September 2025 to review the premises licence for 7 Days Mini Store Ltd in Welshpool. The agenda includes an explanation of the sub-committee's procedures by the Principal Solicitor, followed by consideration of the licence review itself.

Review of Premises Licence: 7 Days Mini Store Ltd

The primary focus of the meeting is to consider a review of the premises licence for 7 Days Mini Store Ltd, located at 27 Severn Street, Welshpool. The review application was submitted by the Dyfed-Powys Police Licensing Officer, citing failures to uphold the licensing objectives related to the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety.

According to the report pack, the application for review was prompted by a Trading Standards-led operation that resulted in the seizure of illegal tobacco products and the discovery of an illegal worker at the premises.

Grounds for Review

The Dyfed-Powys Police application states the grounds for review as:

For consideration of the revocation of the Premises Licence for 7 Days Mini Store, Severn Street, Welshpool, SY21 7AD. This is following a successful Test Purchase Operation for the sale of illegal cigarettes and a Warrant for a search of the business which led to the recovery of a large quantity of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and Vapes in a 'hide' at the rear of the store. This clearly indicates a failure by the Premises Licence Holder to manage the premises in a manner required by the Licensing Act 2003.

The police application asserts that the premise has failed to promote the licensing objectives, referencing Home Office guidance that states licensing authorities should use review procedures effectively to deter crime. The application also highlights specific concerns regarding the employment of individuals unlawfully in the UK, stating that revocation of the licence should be seriously considered if the crime prevention objective is undermined.

Representations from Responsible Authorities

In addition to the Dyfed-Powys Police, representations were also received from Trading Standards and the Fire Authority. Jacqui Thomas, Trading Standards Officer, stated that the premise was targeted for selling illegal tobacco following intelligence received and shared with operational colleagues. The Fire Authority conducted a Fire Safety Audit and identified several issues, leading them to conclude that the licensing objective of public safety was not being met.

Options Available to the Sub-Committee

The report pack outlines the options available to the sub-committee in determining the application, which include:

• Rejecting the review and taking no action
• Modifying the terms and conditions of the licence
• Excluding a licensable activity from the scope of the licence
• Removing the Designated premise Supervisor
• Suspending the licence for up to 3 months
• Revoking the licence

The Sub-Committee is requested to determine the application.

Sub-Committee Procedures

The Sub-Committee will follow a simplified procedure at the hearing. Councillor Carol Johnson will introduce the members of the panel. The Principal Solicitor will outline the process to be followed in the meeting.