Fears of a Return to 'Dark Days' in North London
Residents in Stonebridge, a neighbourhood in Brent, North London, are voicing strong objections to a proposed new off-licence, fearing it could undermine significant progress made in reducing crime over the past decade. The area, once infamously dubbed London's 'gun capital', has seen a notable drop in violent crime, and locals worry that the easy availability of alcohol from a new shop could lead to a resurgence of antisocial behaviour and more serious offences.
The Application and Community Backlash
Varandeep Singh Khurana has applied to Brent Council for a licence to sell alcohol at the Lilburne Walk Local from 9am to 11pm, seven days a week. While the council's licensing officer has stipulated standard conditions like CCTV and staff training, and the police have withdrawn their concerns after an agreement to not sell miniatures or high-strength beers, the community remains unconvinced.
A petition signed by 75 people argues that the licence would "undo much of the progress" made in Stonebridge. Objectors state that the premises is in the heart of the St Raphael's Estate, an area with a long history of gang activity, drug dealing, and violent crime. They highlight existing problems in the nearby Brent River Park, where groups often buy alcohol from local shops before engaging in vandalism, drug use, and public urination.
One resident, who claims to have been "left scarred" after an attack by a drunken woman, said another licensed premises would "undoubtedly exacerbate these existing problems". A representative from a Brent women's group also raised concerns, linking alcohol to a rise in Islamophobic hate crime, citing a serious violent incident near the local mosque on Lilburne Walk earlier this year.
The Owner's Response and Upcoming Decision
The agent acting for Mr. Khurana, Manpreet Kapoor, expressed shock at the negativity. He emphasised that the owner has "plenty of experience" running similar stores in London and has agreed to "very stringent conditions" set by the police. Mr. Kapoor argued that the area lacks a reliable, everyday convenience store and that the new, refurbished premises would bring a "freshness to the local area" and provide opportunities for community engagement.
The final decision now rests with Brent Council's Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee, which is scheduled to review the application on November 19.
