Market Drayton store has premises licence revoked following illicit sales of tobacco
The premises licence which permits the sale of alcohol by the “Magdalenka” store on Shropshire Street, Market Drayton, has today been revoked by Shropshire Council’s licensing committee.
It follows the prosecution two weeks ago of shopkeeper Elina Pole, by Shropshire Council’s Public Protection service
Miss Pole, the owner of the business during the operation, has indicated that she is no longer connected to the business and the hearing was attended by the new premises licence holder and designated Premises Supervisor, Mr Karaman Rashid.
The hearing heard that Mr Rashid was also present in the store when illegal cigarettes were seized from the shop in July, and that he had given conflicting information to officers. During the hearing, Mr Rashid failed to give any satisfactory answers when asked basic questions as to the operation of the business.
The committee found no essential change in the management of the business and did not believe that the licensing objectives with regard to the ‘prevention of crime and disorder’ and ‘protection of children from harm’ were being met. As such, they took the decision to revoke the premises licence.
Mr Rashid now has 21 days to lodge an appeal against the decision of the committee. If no appeal is lodged within that time, all alcohol sales at the shop must cease.
Grant Tunnadine, investigation and targeted intervention team manager with Shropshire Council said:
“I am very pleased that the licensing committee has taken this step today following the successful prosecution two weeks ago. Clearly the licensing committee, like the criminal court, has recognised the severity of the matter presented before them today. In revoking the premises licence they have sent a clear message to anyone wanting to use trade premises for criminal activity that this will not be tolerated in Shropshire. Anyone who is considering the sale of illicit goods from their premises now not only runs the risk of prosecution, but the removal of their licence to sell alcohol.”
Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Public Protection, said:
“We expect all licensed businesses in Shropshire to trade legitimately and responsibly. If they chose to deliberately flout the law it is quite right that they are investigated by Public Protection officers and run the risk of losing their licence – as was the case with “Magdalenka”. This decision will provide support and reassurance for those business who are working hard within the legislative frame work and demonstrates that crime does not pay.”
Consumers who are concerned about any product on sale are encouraged to report the matter to the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 with whom Shropshire Council’s Public Protection team works in partnership.
