Alcohol Ban At City Store Stays
26 January 2012
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.”
Ends.
Media contact: Andy Burrows, Corporate Communications Specialist
- telephone 01733 452550 or email andy.burrows@peterborough.gov.uk