Key Points
- Varandeep Singh Khurana applied for a licence to sell alcohol at Lilburne Walk Local on St Raphael’s Estate in Stonebridge, North London, from 9am to 11pm seven days a week.
- The application faced over 60 objections from residents fearing increased street drinking, antisocial behaviour, vandalism, violence, drug use, and reversal of safety progress in an area once dubbed London’s ‘gun capital’ due to gang activity, drug dealing, and violent crime.
- Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-committee approved the licence on December 1, 2025, but with conditions: alcohol sales limited to 8pm (not 11pm), beer fridge relocated away from shop front, ban on miniatures and beers above 6 per cent, all alcohol must bear shop identification, shop responsible for littered bottles/cans from premises around the estate, and shop must clear rubbish within five metres of front (public or private land).
- Stonebridge has seen a drop in violent crime over the past decade.
- Stonebridge ward Councillor Abdifatah Aden objected, warning it “risks exacerbating existing public order challenges” and could “intensify youth-related disturbances”.
- Mr Khurana was “shocked at the negativity” and committed to working with the community; his agent promised investment to “fully refurbish the premises” and “bring freshness to the local area”.
- Residents can apply for licence review if conditions breached.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
A controversial application to open an off-licence in Stonebridge, a North London neighbourhood once blighted by gang activity, drug dealing, and violent crime, has been approved by Brent Council despite more than 60 resident objections. Varandeep Singh Khurana sought a licence for Lilburne Walk Local on St Raphael’s Estate to sell alcohol from 9am to 11pm daily, but the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-committee on December 1, 2025, granted permission only until 8pm with strict bespoke conditions aimed at curbing litter and antisocial behaviour. Objectors, including local Councillor Abdifatah Aden, argued it would fuel street drinking and undo a decade of crime reduction in the former ‘gun capital’ of London.
What Triggered Over 60 Objections in Stonebridge?
Residents and community groups vehemently opposed the off-licence, citing fears of resurgent antisocial behaviour. As reported in coverage of the Brent Council decision, objectors claimed
“the easy availability of alcohol is a major reason for antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, violence and drug use”.
They expressed concern that the new outlet would encourage street drinking and undermine recent safety improvements in Stonebridge, an area historically plagued by high crime rates. More than 60 objections were submitted, highlighting a unified community stance against the plan.
Stonebridge ward Councillor Abdifatah Aden also lodged a formal objection. As detailed in reports on the licensing meeting, Councillor Aden stated that allowing the off-licence “risks exacerbating existing public order challenges” and would “intensify youth-related disturbances”. His intervention underscored political worries about youth-related issues and public order in the St Raphael’s Estate vicinity.
Why Was Stonebridge Once Known as London’s ‘Gun Capital’?
Stonebridge earned its notorious reputation as London’s ‘gun capital’ due to prevalent gang activity, drug dealing, and violent crime in previous years. Coverage of the licence application notes that the neighbourhood on St Raphael’s Estate was once synonymous with such problems, though violent crime has notably dropped over the past decade. This progress formed the backbone of resident arguments against the off-licence, with fears that alcohol sales could reverse gains made in making the area safer.
The decline in violence reflects broader regeneration efforts in North London, yet locals remain protective of these advancements. Reports emphasise that objectors viewed the proposed 9am to 11pm alcohol sales as a direct threat to ongoing community stability.
What Conditions Were Imposed on the Licence?
Brent Council’s sub-committee approved the licence but attached stringent conditions beyond standard restrictions. Alcohol sales were capped at 8pm—two hours earlier than the 11pm requested by Varandeep Singh Khurana—with the beer fridge required to be placed alongside other alcoholic drinks, not near the shop front as initially proposed. A ban on miniatures and beers above 6 per cent strength was also mandated.
In an unusual stipulation, all alcohol sold must carry shop identification, holding Mr Khurana accountable for any bottles or cans from his premises found littered around the estate. The shop must additionally clear rubbish within five metres of its front, encompassing both public and private land. These bespoke measures addressed resident demands for accountability.
If breached, residents can petition Brent Council for a licence review, providing a safeguard mechanism.
How Did Varandeep Singh Khurana Respond to the Backlash?
Varandeep Singh Khurana expressed surprise at the opposition level. As noted in accounts of the application process, the owner was “shocked at the negativity” but pledged to collaborate with the local community to avert issues. His agent, speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), outlined plans to “invest in the property to fully refurbish the premises”, which would “bring freshness to the local area”.
This commitment to upgrade Lilburne Walk Local aimed to position the off-licence as a positive addition, despite concerns.
What Role Did Brent Council Play in the Decision?
Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-committee convened on December 1, 2025, to deliberate the application. Despite robust objections from residents, community organisations, and Councillor Abdifatah Aden, the panel greenlit the licence with modifications. The decision balanced economic interests—such as shop refurbishment—against public safety, imposing conditions to mitigate risks.
The sub-committee’s ruling reflects standard licensing procedures, where objectors can influence outcomes without halting approvals outright.
Who Is Varandeep Singh Khurana and What Is Lilburne Walk Local?
Varandeep Singh Khurana is the applicant behind Lilburne Walk Local on St Raphael’s Estate in Stonebridge. His proposal targeted a convenience store format with alcohol sales, seeking extended hours to serve the neighbourhood. Reports identify him as the key figure “shocked at the negativity” yet eager to engage positively.
The premises at Lilburne Walk aim for refurbishment, potentially enhancing local amenities amid the controversy.
Will This Off-Licence Reverse Stonebridge’s Crime Decline?
Objectors fear a setback to Stonebridge’s decade-long violent crime reduction. Coverage highlights that easy alcohol access could spur street drinking, vandalism, violence, and drug use, echoing past troubles. However, conditions like litter responsibility and earlier closing aim to prevent this.
Councillor Abdifatah Aden’s warnings about public order and youth disturbances amplify these risks. Brent Council’s oversight offers recourse if problems arise.
How Can Residents Challenge the Licence Moving Forward?
Residents hold the power to request a review from Brent Council if conditions are violated. This includes failures in litter control, identification marking, or other mandates. The process empowers the community to monitor compliance post-approval.
Such mechanisms ensure ongoing accountability for Varandeep Singh Khurana and Lilburne Walk Local.
What Broader Implications Does This Hold for North London Licensing?
This case exemplifies tensions between commercial aspirations and community safety in regenerating areas like Stonebridge. Brent Council’s conditional approval sets a precedent for balancing off-licence applications with strict oversight. It underscores resident influence in licensing, potentially shaping future decisions in North London.
The story, drawn comprehensively from detailed coverage of the December 1, 2025, Brent Council meeting, reveals a neighbourhood vigilant about its hard-won peace. While Varandeep Singh Khurana eyes refurbishment and community ties, over 60 voices and Councillor Abdifatah Aden affirm Stonebridge’s resolve against relapse into past chaos. With bespoke rules in place, the true test lies in enforcement and adaptation.
