Fresh Licence Row for Hartlepool Shop, as Applicant Accused of Misleading Council..
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Criminal Offence Warning after Licence Bid Hit by False Statement Allegations...
15th April 2026
A fresh bid for a troubled Hartlepool shop has been thrown into doubt after officials warned the application may contain false statements — a potential criminal offence.
The application, set to be decided by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee this week, relates to The Headland Local on Northgate — a premises whose previous licence was revoked following serious breaches, including the sale of illicit tobacco and underage sales.
Now, a new applicant's seeking permission to sell alcohol from 6am until midnight, seven days a week. But the case has been overshadowed by claims that the applicant may have misled the council about their connection to the business.
Claims of “No Involvement” Challenged
In the application, it's stated that the previous management “left the business” and that the applicant will operate as a new, independent operator. However, Hartlepool Trading Standards say the evidence tells a different story.
Documents included in the council’s own meeting papers revealed the applicant had already been linked to the premises for years, including during the period when its claimed illegal activity took place on the premises.
Inspection records reportedly identify the applicant as a Food Business Operator at the shop as far back as 2022, directly contradicting the applicants claims of no prior involvement in the business.
Warning of Criminal Offence
Under the Licensing Act 2003, making a false statement in a licence application is a criminal offence, punishable by an unlimited fine.
Trading Standards are said to have made their position clear, warning the alleged statements made by the applicant:
“could amount to a criminal offence in itself.”
They also suggest the applicant may have played a management role at the time of previous offences, raising further concerns about the credibility of the application.
History of Breaches
The premises itself has a well-documented history. The previous licence on the premises was revoked after Trading Standards found Illegal tobacco being sold on the premises as well as the sale of age-restricted products to children, with Hartlepool Borough Council concluding that allowing the business to continue operating would undermine public safety and the protection of children.
Cleveland Police have also reportedly objected to the new licence, citing concerns about crime, public safety and the risk of repeat offences. Officers say the premises was already deemed unsuitable to operate under a licence, following enforcement action and repeated breaches.
Councillors will this week decide whether to grant the licence or refuse it, however, with allegations of false statements and a history of serious breaches of its previous licence, the decision's likely to be closely watched by members of the public. .
