Magistrates have upheld a ban on alcohol being sold from a Peterborough convenience store in the ‘Operation CAN-do’ area of the city where a ten-year focus on crime is underway.
Samira Majid, the licensee of the B Stop in Lincoln Road, appealed against a decision made by the Peterborough City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee in September to revoke her license.
Peterborough Magistrates Court heard how the city council put the ban in place after contraband goods were found at the store which is also know as News ‘n’ Booze.
The court was told:
In November 2010, officers from HMRC seized a total of 6.3 litres of spirits on which the duty had not been paid.
In April 2011, 28.5 litres of wine, on which the duty had not been paid, were seized as part of an Operation CAN-do focus by the city council’s Trading Standards team, Cambridgeshire Police and HMRC.
In August 2011, 140 Jin Ling cigarettes – which cannot be sold legally in this country – were found on the premises.
Magistrates heard how the raids took place while Mohammed Shafiq was managing the shop.
Majid told the court she was unaware of the purchases made by Mr Shafiq.
Colin Myles, representing the city council said Majid was the premises licence holder and could not pass “the burden or the responsibility” to anyone else.
Magistrates said they were satisfied that due to Majid’s inability to produce invoices or receipts, duty had not been paid any goods that were seized.
The court dismissed the appeal and awarded costs of £884.80 to Peterborough City Council.
Councillor Peter Hiller, Cabinet member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Planning, said: “I hope this case sends out a clear message to other licensed premises, and deters them from taking part in similar activities.
“Bargain-priced tobacco and alcohol can often seem very attractive to consumers. However, the truth is these goods have often been smuggled into this country or illegally manufactured by amateurs. The consumer has no idea where these goods have been produced and, as they are unlicensed and unregulated, they could also have serious health implications. Peterborough City Council recognises the seriousness of these offences and will take appropriate action.”
Peterborough City Council
Town Hall, Bridge Street
Peterborough, PE1 1HF
(01733) 747474