A convenience store in North London has lost its licence due to “a record of illegal activities” linked with the premises, the council has said.
It comes following a closure order issued to the shop by the Metropolitan Police after two people were arrested at the scene for alleged drugs offences.
Brent Council has taken the decision to revoke the licence of Essentials – a shop on Church Lane near Kingsbury – following a review by its Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee last week (July 14).
The review was triggered automatically after the courts granted a closure order against the premises earlier this month. The council claimed there is a “record of illegal activities” taking place at the shop, which poses “a significant risk to the local community”.
Police officers carried out a drugs warrant at Essentials on Thursday, June 26, in which two people were arrested at the scene for alleged drugs offences.
They have both been released pending further investigation and enquiries are ongoing, according to the Met Police. The closure order was granted at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 2 and is in place for at least three months.
A closure order prohibits access to the premises at all times and in all circumstances for the period outlined. If the order is broken, the person responsible could face up to a year in prison, or an unlimited fine.
A representation was submitted by a member of the public as the application to review the licence was being considered. They claimed that groups gather outside the premises making it “intimidating” for passers-by, alongside a “strong smoke odour” that “differs from cigarette smoke and may suggest marijuana”.
They also alleged that dogs associated with the shop showed “aggressive or even vicious behaviour”.
There were also a number of submissions made in favour of the owners, describing them as “friendly, polite, and helpful” whilst treating people “with respect”.
However, the sub-committee ultimately decided against allowing the shop to maintain its licence.
A Brent Council spokesperson said: “The Metropolitan Police were granted a Closure Order under the AntiSocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 by Willesden Magistrates’ Court, in relation to the premises known as Essentials. The order is in effect for a period of three months, ending on October 1, 2025.
“Following the closure, a review hearing was held […] to consider the premises licence. Due to a record of illegal activities associated with the premises, the sub-committee took the decision to revoke the licence.”
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
