A Westminster Council licensing sub-committee has adjourned a decision on the transfer of the premises licence for Strand News, located at 145 Strand, after objections from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Home Office.
The Licensing Sub-Committee (1), chaired by Councillor Aziz Toki, convened on Thursday 26 June 2025, to consider the application to transfer the licence from Kamlesh Patel and Romil Patel to Mr Dinesh Chhaganbhai Patel. However, due to concerns raised by both the police and immigration enforcement, the decision has been delayed.
The Strand News Report provided to the committee indicated that Policy Appendix 2 - Licensing Authority Functions and Duties applies to the application. This policy outlines the process for transfer applications, noting that objections can be raised if the transfer undermines crime prevention or is prejudicial to the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises.
PC Steve Muldoon of the Metropolitan Police Service objected to the transfer, citing concerns that granting the application would undermine the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. The police stated they were aware of offences dealt with by the immigration services relating to persons employed by the current licence holder.
The Home Office also lodged a formal objection, stating:
Immigration Enforcement formally objects to the transfer of the premises licence for Strand News, located at 145 Strand, London, WC2R 1JA. This objection is based on several serious concerns regarding the management and operation of the premises...
The Home Office outlined several issues, including illegal employment practices, management absence, and non-compliance with licensing regulations. They noted that during multiple visits, individuals were found to be illegally working at the premises, and the licence holder was often absent and unreachable. Specific instances of illegal employment practices included staff members found to be overstayers and illegally working at the premises. According to the Public Reports Pack, on 06/03/2025, the only staff member present was an overstayer and was arrested. This individual was found illegally working again on 10/03/2025, along with another overstayer. On 18/03/2025, another individual was arrested as an overstayer.
The Home Office also alleges that Strand News failed to comply with licensing regulations by selling alcohol without the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) being present for transactions. The Public Reports Pack states that the individual arrested on 06/03/2025 admitted to selling alcohol without the DPS present, a clear violation of licensing regulations.
Maninder Kaur, representing the applicant, supported the adjournment, stating that it would be better to hear both the transfer application and a related review application on another date for fairness and efficiency. The Home Office confirmed that they had submitted an application for review of the premises licence on 18 June, and that there was a crossover of evidence between the two applications. The Printed Minutes indicate that this review application concerns the same premises and involves similar evidence regarding the management and operation of the premises.
Despite acknowledging that all parties should have been prepared to present their case, the committee decided to grant the adjournment to give the applicant the opportunity to present his representations. The minutes of the meeting state that the committee determined that it is in the interest of fairness and justice, and in the public's interest to grant the adjournment, on this occasion.
The meeting concluded at 11:20 am. A decision on the licence transfer will be made at a later date.
