A shop at the heart of Ilkeston’s town centre has once again applied for permission to sell alcohol – despite being refused earlier this year amid evidence of illegal sales, underage vaping, and immigration offences.
Documents published by Erewash Borough Council confirm that Balvinder Singh has applied for a new premises licence for 15 Bath Street, Ilkeston, trading as Ilkeston Store. The application seeks approval to sell alcohol from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week.
But licensing officers, police and environmental health teams have all raised serious concerns, warning that the business has already been associated with criminal activity and breaches of licensing law.
⚠️ A history of illegal activity
According to council reports, Ilkeston Store opened in April 2025 selling vapes, cigarettes, sweets and soft drinks. Within days, council officers discovered the shop displaying bottles of wine and advertising alcohol for sale, even though it held no licence.
When challenged, the man behind the counter – Gagandeep Singh, the applicant’s son – wrongly claimed the business was licensed and tried to show a criminal record certificate as proof. Licensing officers later confirmed the store had never held a licence and referred the matter to the police and Trading Standards.
Subsequent visits revealed a catalogue of offences:
An illegal worker found behind the counter during a police inspection; Underage vape sales and illegal tobacco identified by Trading Standards; Street drinkers entering the shop, believed to be buying alcohol illicitly; Signs of people living inside the premises, including mattresses, bedding and personal items found by Environmental Health.
One witness statement from Environmental Health Officer described a “fold-up bed and quilt in the rear of the shop” and confirmed the premises were reported to both Trading Standards and UK Border Force for further investigation.
🧩 Licence refused – but back again under a new name
A previous licence application for the same address was refused in May 2025. That bid, made by Gagandeep Singh, was rejected by the council’s Licensing Panel after Derbyshire Police and Trading Standards warned that granting a licence would “fail to promote the licensing objectives” and “place children at risk of harm.”
Despite this, a fresh application was submitted in August – this time in the name of Balvinder Singh (Gagandeep’s father), with the same Designated Premises Supervisor, Mohinder Singh, still in place.
Council officers say the new bid is effectively the same as the old one. Licensing Manager Carolyn Singleton stated:
“There are no material changes to this application. The people managing and working at 15 Bath Street are the same individuals previously linked to illegal sales, underage activity and illegal working.”
Her formal objection also notes that the applicant had indicated an intention to source cheap alcohol from Birmingham for resale at the Ilkeston shop – a move she warned could encourage street drinking and undercut responsible local traders.
🚔 Police evidence of ongoing issues
Derbyshire Police also lodged a detailed objection, backed by witness statements. Officers confirmed that street drinkers were regularly seen entering the store and that one employee had been identified as working illegally in the UK.
A later inspection in September found the same individuals still working at the premises, despite assurances they had been removed from the business. Police say this demonstrates “a disregard for licensing law and enforcement processes.”
🏛️ Council officers united in opposition
Erewash Borough Council’s Licensing, Police, and Environmental Health teams have all opposed the application. None of the responsible authorities supported it.
The Council’s own report summarises the concerns clearly:
“The premises in the space of a short period had committed offences of underage sales, sale of illicit products and illegal working. Based on previous evidence, there is no confidence that should a licence be granted, those managing the premises will operate within the law.”
🗓️ Hearing date and next steps
The case will be heard by the Licensing and Public Protection Panel on Tuesday 28 October 2025.
Councillors will consider whether to grant, modify or reject the licence application.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, the panel must ensure that any decision upholds the four key objectives:
Prevention of crime and disorder Public safety Prevention of public nuisance Protection of children from harm
If the panel refuses the application, the applicant may appeal to the Magistrates’ Court.
🗣️ Local reaction: “Ilkeston doesn’t need another problem shop”
Residents and business owners along Bath Street have voiced frustration that the same premises are being considered again so soon.
“This part of town has had enough — street drinking, litter, and antisocial behaviour have already been a problem,” said one nearby trader. “We don’t need another shop selling cheap booze. It’s just asking for trouble.”
Others questioned how the same people could reapply so soon after being refused:
“They were caught breaking the rules, yet they’re back trying again. It’s ridiculous.”
💬 Have your say…