Barnet Council has revoked the premises licence for Snack Buzz & Off Licence, located at 19 Ballards Lane, N3 1UX, after discovering significant quantities of illegal tobacco, fake goods, and unlicensed medication. The decision was made by the Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday, March 12, 2026, following a review initiated by Barnet Trading Standards.

Seized illegal goods, including cigarettes and unlicensed medication, found at Snack Buzz & Off Licence.
Seized illegal goods, including cigarettes and unlicensed medication, found at Snack Buzz & Off Licence.

The committee found that the premises licence holder, Ashmeet Singh, was in breach of several licence conditions and had deliberately hidden smuggled goods. During an inspection on December 19, 2025, Trading Standards officers seized 367 packets of Marlboro Gold cigarettes, 47 packets of Platinum Seven Slims, and 41 pouches of Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco. They also discovered 52 units of Kamagra oral jelly, a form of Viagra which is a prescription-only medicine.

A box of cigarette packs found during a licensing review.
A box of cigarette packs found during a licensing review.

Further inspection on January 16, 2026, revealed counterfeit UNO and Pokémon cards. The Sub-Committee heard that the illegal goods were hidden in a microwave and a locked cupboard, indicating an intent to deceive authorities. The committee also noted the absence of an incident log, staff training records, and a refusal log, all of which are required licence conditions.

A large bag filled with numerous packs of cigarettes, found during a licensing review.
A large bag filled with numerous packs of cigarettes, found during a licensing review.

The unlicensed Kamagra oral jelly found at the premises contains Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra. It is a prescription-only medicine and poses potential health risks as it may be unregulated and contain unknown ingredients or be faulty. The meeting minutes state that non of the staff are trained Pharmacists and that these items pose a threat to a persons health .

Representatives for Mr. Singh acknowledged the seriousness of the findings and expressed regret, proposing several new compliance measures. These included staff training manuals, Leave quietly and Challenge 25 posters, CCTV signage, an incident and refusal log book, staff refresher training, and right to work checks. They also proposed a change in the designated premises supervisor.

A notice is attached to a metal railing outside a shop, indicating a review of its premises licence.
A notice is attached to a metal railing outside a shop, indicating a review of its premises licence.

However, the Sub-Committee was not satisfied that these measures would adequately address the underlying issues. The deliberate concealment of smuggled goods, coupled with the discovery of further illegal items in a subsequent inspection, contradicted claims of full compliance. Concerns were further raised when an intelligence search on a proposed replacement designated premises supervisor revealed a recent entry relating to the sale of illegal tobacco and cigarettes at their business. The proposed alternative, Mr. Singh's father, had no experience as a designated premises supervisor. The Applicant's Representative stated that the Applicant would not support this appointment.

Evidence of smuggled goods and illegal items found at Snack Buzz & Off Licence.
Evidence of smuggled goods and illegal items found at Snack Buzz & Off Licence.

In its decision, the Sub-Committee cited the Statutory Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which states that revocation should be seriously considered in cases where the crime prevention objective is undermined. The committee concluded that the premises were trading irresponsibly and that the deliberate concealment of smuggled goods posed a direct threat to licensing objectives, including public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.

The Sub-Committee determined that modifying licence conditions or suspending the licence would be insufficient. Consequently, the licence for Snack Buzz & Off Licence was revoked. The full report can be found here. The minutes of the meeting are available here.

A box of yellow-packaged items, possibly cigarettes or tobacco, found during a licensing review.
A box of yellow-packaged items, possibly cigarettes or tobacco, found during a licensing review.

A black garbage bag filled with stacks of cigarettes and other contraband.
A black garbage bag filled with stacks of cigarettes and other contraband.

A large bag filled with cigarette packs, presumably seized during a licensing review.
A large bag filled with cigarette packs, presumably seized during a licensing review.

A display of cigarettes and confectionery items at a retail premises.
A display of cigarettes and confectionery items at a retail premises.

A dimly lit storage area containing black trash bags, cardboard boxes, and various other items, likely related to the review of Snack Buzz & Off Licence.
A dimly lit storage area containing black trash bags, cardboard boxes, and various other items, likely related to the review of Snack Buzz & Off Licence.