Express & Star

Sandwell shop banned from selling booze after fake tobacco found

A shop in Sandwell has had its licence suspended after £400 worth of counterfeit tobacco was seized by trading standards using a specialist tobacco sniffer dog.

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Harrys News & Grocers on Cophall Street, Great Bridge, will not be able to sell alcohol for a seven day period and in addition to a new condition being imposed on the alcohol licence, Mr Ateek Khan has been removed as the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

The shop must also now install CCTV to cover the shop floor areas, with a clear view of the sales counter.

During the licensing review on Tuesday, the panel heard evidence from trading standards that counterfeit tobacco was seized at the shop last year and the business had previously been issued with a caution for possession of illicit alcohol in 2012.

Bob Charnley, Sandwell Council's trading standards and licensing manager, said: "Far from being a victimless crime, illegal tobacco trading creates a cheap source for children and young people and encourages adults to continue smoking by eroding cost motivation to quit.

''This case should serve as a warning to those who are involved in this illegal trade. Our team, supported by specialist tobacco sniffer dogs funded by public health, has seized more than one million cigarettes and will continue to identify those operating illegally. You can hide it but we will find it.

"I would urge anyone with information on sales of illegal tobacco products to contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06."

The shop now has 21 days to lodge an appeal against the licensing panel's decision to the magistrates' court.

Councillor Joanne Hadley said illegal counterfeit goods are something the council takes very seriously.

She said: "It is blatant tax evasion and we at the council are sending a strong message to businesses in Sandwell that incidents such as this will not be tolerated.

"This is not the first time something like this has happened in my ward and I'm sure it won't be the last. Shops might think it's easy to smuggle these goods in and sell them on, but the fines given out will prove otherwise."

In January Lifestyle Express in Tividale Road was stripped of its licence after non-duty alcohol was seized from the premises.

And even after the licence had been revoked alcohol, it was found being displayed for sale in the shop.

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