Issue - meetings

To consider the application at 3:00pm.

Contact: Lee Rushworth, Licensing Officer, Tel: 01484 221 000

RESOLVED:

That the Premises License for Ravensthorpe Off Licence, 618 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3HL, be revoked.

The Panel considered a report which outlined an application for a review under S51 of the Licensing Act 2003, in respect of premises license Ravensthorpe Off Licence, 618 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3HL.

The Licensing Officer advised the Panel that the application for review had been received on 13^th May from West Yorkshire Police, as they believed the following licensing objectives were not being met: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm.

The Premises Licence Holder had provided a statement which was read out by the Licensing Officer. The statement advised the Panel that the named License Premises Holder had sold the shop two years previously and was unaware that his name was still being used by the current owner as he had been told that it had been transferred into the new owner’s name. He wished to cancel and surrender the license.

The Panel were advised by PC Kathryn Swift, West Yorkshire Police, that during a test purchase operation by West Yorkshire Police on 4^th March 2025 at Ravensthorpe Off Licence, a police officer was able to buy an illegal packet of cigarettes, The packet of cigarettes did not conform to the tobacco and related products regulations 2016, and were stored under the counter.

On 22^nd April 2025 West Yorkshire Police and Trading Standards attended and searched the premises for illegal tobacco. Illegal cigarettes were found hidden behind the counter and 115 disposable electronic cigarettes were on display for sale which had a tank capacity larger than the maximum permitted of 2ml nicotine, making them illegal. Under the counter were two packets of open cigarettes which it was believed were being sold as single cigarettes. A female working at the store advised that she was being paid £40 cash in hand, and had received no training and was unsure of the legal age for buying vapes. She said she did not know about the illegal cigarettes, did not know who the Designated Premises Supervisor was and also did not know the owner. The shop worker was able to provide the first name of someone to contact, and two telephone numbers to contact them on. The Police Officer followed up the numbers, one which was not recognised and one which was linked to a male in Coventry who did not have the right to work.

West Yorkshire Police advised the Panel on government guidance regarding what was deemed a serious offence included the sale and storage of smuggled tobacco.

In reaching its decision, the Panel had due regard to the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, the statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Act, the Councils Statement of Licensing Policy and the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Act.

RESOLVED -

That the Premises License for Ravensthorpe Off Licence, 618 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3HL, be revoked.