Wycombe c-store wins alcohol licence battle

A popular convenience store in Wycombe has had its alcohol licence reinstated following a successful court battle, stated recent reports. 

According to local reports, Best One Express off-licence in Bridge Street was refused a new premises licence in March after Thames Valley Police objected to it on the grounds of “prevention of crime and disorder.” 

The decision prompted an outcry from the public, and a petition was made calling Bucks Council to overturn the ruling. 

Shop owner Harriram Raveendran appealed the decision, and on July 27 a magistrate overturned the ruling after Buckinghamshire Council decided not to contest the appeal in court. 

Owner Raveendran revealed he was “very happy” with the decision. 

Bucks Council stated that it agreed that the licence should be granted following discussions with Raveendran after the licence was initially revoked. Councilors ruled on March 31 that the alcohol licence should be turned down after Thames Valley Police expressed concerns about potential crime and disorder. 

These concerns centered around the shop’s previous licence holder, Shanthakumar, and questions over whether he still had some control over the business. 

The police force even went as far as saying Raveendran had been “deceitful” in his initial licence application. 

However, following talks with Bucks Council’s Licensing Sub-Commitee, councilors were satisfied that Shanthakumar would no longer be involved in the business. 

As a result, Bucks Council decided not to contest Raveendran’s appeal at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, meaning that the licence was reinstated. 

“Buckinghamshire Council has not been forced to overturn its decision to refuse to grant a licence to Best One Express,” a Bucks Council spokeswoman said. 

“When the applicant first applied for a premises licence, certain evidence about the ownership of the business was not made available to the Council.”