Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Deiniol Gwyn Jones (Public Protection Officer – Environmental Health) and the Public Health Representative for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB)

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

None to note

DRAGON SHOP LTD, 280 HIGH STREET, BANGOR, LL57 1UL

To consider the application

DECISION:

To refuse the application

The Dragon Shop Ltd, 280 High Street, Bangor

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

a)               The Licensing Department's Report

The report of the Head of the Environment Department was presented providing details of a premises licence application for The Dragon Shop Ltd, 280 High Street, Bangor. The application was made by the Licensing Agent 'The Licensing Guys', on behalf of the applicant which was a limited company with Mr Bayzidiazar named as the sole director of that company.

It was highlighted that the premises was already operating as a Convenience Store: the application was for selling alcohol to be consumed off the premises, from 07:00 until 23:00, 7 days a week.

It was noted that the Licensing Authority's Officers had sufficient evidence that the application had been submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and the relevant regulations. Reference was made to the measures that had been recommended by the applicant to promote the licensing objectives, and it was highlighted that these measures would be included on the licence should it be granted.

The officer drew attention to the responses received during the consultation. BCUHB had submitted comments which expressed concern about the potential impact of the application on the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, and protecting children from harm. They referred to local evidence of alcohol-related harm in Gwynedd, the above-average levels of alcohol consumption among young people, concerns about community safety within the Deiniol ward area, and the relationship between alcohol availability and alcohol-related crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. It was suggested that the Sub-Committee consider previous enforcement matters relating to the site.

The Public Protection Service (Trading Standards Service) had also expressed an objection based on evidence of crime and disorder. It was noted that, in accordance with the provisions of part 4 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a Closure Notice had been served on the business premises at 280 High Street, Bangor, on 26 February 2026, and later, following a Court case in which evidence was presented following several test purchases of illegal cigarettes/tobacco, seizure of counterfeit items such as counterfeit toys, vapes, cigarettes and tobacco.  A Closure Notice was issued on the premises (not the Company/business) which was effective for 3 months until 2 June 2026.

Reference was made to information that had been shared on an intelligence and data system operated by Trading Standards services across the UK. It was discovered that Mr Bayzidiazar was associated with a shop at 85 Drake Street, Rochdale. The shop was the subject of a closure order, and Mr Bayzidiaza was the director of another company, Cloud 9 Vape Shop Ltd of the same address, and his son was associated with the shop who was also linked to alleged illegal tobacco sales through other similar shops. It appeared that Mostafa Bayzidiazar was a tenant at the premises.

An objection had been received from the Public Protection Service - Environmental Health in relation to the licensing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.