The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council was scheduled to consider a review application for the premises licence of Sira Superstore. The committee was also to receive guidance on its procedures.

Review Application for Sira Superstore

The main item scheduled for discussion was a review application concerning the premises licence for Sira Superstore, located at 13-15 King Street, Southall, Ealing, UB2 4DG. The application for review was made by Ealing Council's Licensing Enforcement and Compliance team.

The report pack indicated that the review was prompted by concerns related to the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder. Evidence presented included a statement from Licensing Compliance & Enforcement Officer Robert Dear, detailing a joint visit with Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers on 9 May 2025. During this visit, several individuals were encountered who were subsequently detained and found to be working illegally in the UK. The report also referenced previous incidents at the premises, including a joint visit with Police and Immigration on 3 March 2017 which found two workers illegally in the UK, and the discovery of counterfeit tobacco products on 9 March 2017, followed by duty-diverted alcohol in September 2017.

The application highlighted that the Premises Licence Holder, General Superstore Ltd, was alleged to be failing to promote the Prevention of Crime & Disorder objective. The report stated that employing illegal workers allows businesses to unfairly undercut competitors, encourages illegal working, exploits undocumented individuals, and deprives the government of tax revenue.

The report pack also included representations from other responsible authorities. The Workplace and Public Safety Team submitted a representation concerning public safety, detailing observations of dangerous excavation works being carried out adjacent to the shop, poor air quality within the premises due to fumes from the building works, and slip and trip hazards on the floor. A prohibition notice was issued regarding the construction works.

Immigration Enforcement also submitted a representation in support of the review, reiterating concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, specifically the employment of illegal workers. They detailed the circumstances of three individuals arrested during the 9 May 2025 visit, all of whom were found to not have the right to work in the UK. The representation noted that one individual was paid £5 per hour, significantly below the National Minimum Wage. The report referenced Section 182 guidance of the Licensing Act 2003, which states that employing individuals disqualified due to their immigration status should be treated particularly seriously, and that revocation of the licence should be seriously considered.

The report pack also contained the Premises Licence for Sira Superstore, detailing its opening hours and authorised licensable activities, which include the retail sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption. It also listed the Designated Premises Supervisor as Mr Minda Sira.

Panel Procedure Guidance Note

The committee was also scheduled to consider a Panel Procedure Guidance Note. This document outlines the procedure to be followed at Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings, including the roles of the Chairman, parties to the hearing, the Licensing Officer, applicants, and those who have made representations. It details the process for presenting applications, calling witnesses, summing up cases, and the subsequent retirement of the sub-committee to reach a decision.