Feltham Shops Lose Licences Over Illicit Goods
Two shops in Feltham have had their premises licences revoked after illicit tobacco and other prohibited goods were discovered on their premises.
The Hounslow Licensing Panel made the decision on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following separate review applications for Swan News t/a U R Local and Newsbox, both located on High Street, Feltham.
During a joint visit by Trading Standards and Licensing officers on June 17, 2026, illicit cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and Kamagra
oral jelly sachets were found at Swan News. The estimated unpaid duty on these items was £750.
A week later, on June 22, 2026, a similar visit to Newsbox, operated by the brother of Swan News's licence holder, uncovered illicit tobacco products and Indian oral tobacco concealed behind the counter. A total of 23 packets of non-plain packaging cigarettes, 5 pouches of roll-your-own tobacco, and 7 pouches of Indian oral tobacco were seized.
In both cases, the licensing enforcement officer, Bob Dear, submitted review applications on the grounds that the licence holders had failed to uphold the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder. This process involves an application for review submitted under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003, with the report pack recommending various actions from modifying licence conditions to revoking the licence.
The panel heard that the licence holder for both premises was the sole director of the companies involved. The concealment of the illicit products and the explanations provided by the licence holders were considered aggravating features.
In its decision for Newsbox, the panel stated that the concealment of illicit tobacco products beneath confectionery was a significant aggravating feature. It also noted that the products had been entered onto the till system, indicating an intention for them to be part of the stock available for sale.
For Swan News, the panel found that the illicit tobacco products were deliberately concealed behind the sales counter, which was considered a significant aggravating factor. The presence of Kamagra products also contributed to concerns regarding management oversight and regulatory compliance.
In both instances, the panel concluded that the licence holders had demonstrated serious failings in the management and operation of the premises and had not accepted full responsibility for the identified issues. The panel found that revocation of the licences was both necessary and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives.
The direct implication for the businesses is the revocation of their premises licences, meaning they can no longer operate under those licences. The loss of the premises licence would likely lead to significant operational and employment consequences for any staff.
Public reports pack Thursday 15-Oct-2026 17.30 Licensing Panel