Licence Transfer Dispute at Best One Collier Row Raises Local Concerns.

Best One convenience store in Collier Row is at the centre of a licensing dispute that has drawn significant attention from local authorities and residents.

The shop has applied twice to transfer its premises licence, with the Metropolitan Police raising concerns about the legitimacy of the management arrangements and the underlying lease agreements.

The initial application to transfer the licence named Gurmeet Kaur Hakimzada as the proposed licence holder. However, police and Home Office investigations revealed links to her husband, Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, who has previously faced civil penalties for employing individuals without the right to work in the UK at another business outside Havering.

Following the withdrawal of this application, a second bid was submitted naming Arwin Singh Sareen as the licence holder and designated premises supervisor. While police found no direct concerns with Mr Sareen himself, they remain wary of the potential ongoing influence of Mr Hakimzada behind the scenes.

Complicating matters are conflicting lease agreements. Mr Hakimzada is listed as the tenant on a lease with Havering Council for the Best One premises, yet he is also named as landlord on a separate lease where Mr Sareen is the tenant. Police have highlighted that this arrangement may breach the terms of the lease and questioned why Mr Sareen has not formally sought to become the leaseholder.

PC Chris Stockman, representing the Metropolitan Police, stated that the association between the two men is highly relevant when assessing the suitability of the proposed management. He expressed concerns that Mr Hakimzada might continue to exert control over the shop’s operations despite not being the official licence holder.

Another point raised is that Mr Sareen resides in Hayes, west London, approximately two hours from Collier Row, which has prompted questions about the practicalities of local management and oversight.

The licensing sub-committee of Havering Council is expected to review the application and police objections at an upcoming hearing. The outcome will have direct implications for the Best One store and the wider Collier Row community, where residents and businesses are keen to see clarity and compliance with licensing regulations.

At present, there has been no public comment from the parties involved, and the council has yet to make a decision. The case highlights the complexities that can arise when lease arrangements and licence transfers intersect, especially when concerns about management legitimacy and regulatory compliance are raised.

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