Licence uncertain for High Wycombe store over claims of ‘deceit’

A shop licence hangs in the balance over claims of ‘deceit’ on the part of the owner.

Harriram Raveendran has submitted to Bucks Council an application for a new premises licence for Best One Express store, on Bridge Street, in High Wycombe.

Raveendran hopes to be able to sell booze between 9am and midnight, every day.

But Thames Valley Police (TVP) has objected on grounds of the “prevention of crime and disorder”.

It alleges Raveendran may be using ‘deceit’ to “circumvent due process”, thereby allowing the previous licence holder, Mr Shanthakumar ‘some control over the business’, as it has been shown they know one another.

Previously, the licence had belonged to Mr Shanthakumar, but was revoked in January 2020 “due to non-compliance”, and at appeal at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, on March 11.

“In January 2020, the premises licence for the property was revoked…due to non-compliance on the part of the previous owner,” stated a report.

“The applicant (Mr Raveendran) was not involved on any level with the circumstances that led to the revocation of this licence.”

It is claimed Raveendran, of Underwood Road in the town, bought the business in December 2021. However, “no evidence has been provided”, documents state.

Mr Shanthakumar was also caught working at the shop in January.

When later questioned, Raveendran told a licensing officer Mr Shanthakumar is “a friend” who “only works when I need him”, sometimes “unsupervised”. Mr Shanthakumar’s wife also works at the shop.

It has also since been found that Raveendran was an employee of Mr Shanthakumar in 2019.

The shop has had permission to sell alcohol since April 2011. It also sits within a public space protection order (PSPO) area, according to a report, normally associated with street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

“Thames Valley Police firmly believe under the prevention of crime and disorder that this premises licence application is being made by the applicant utilising the agents to circumvent due process and thereby allowing Mr Shanthakumar some control over and within the business, which, in our view, is being deceitful,” TVP said.

“With him still working in the premises, how can we be assured that compliance of the licence and the necessary due diligence is carried out?

“If, however, Mr Raveendran is willing to add a condition to the licence that Mr or Mrs Shanthakumar is prevented from entering the premises at any time, then this is a possible way forward.

“There is still some concern that if Mr Raveendran is willing to ‘go along’ with Mr Shanthakumar in this respect, then what else is he prepared to do to make his money?”

Councillors will debate the licence during an upcoming meeting.