A Swindon shopkeeper lost his licence after police found illegal alcohol, tobacco, and vapes worth £15,000.
The store used to be red, but someone painted it black. Police asked the council to take away the shop’s license because they found about £15,000 of illegal items last November, including alcohol, tobacco, and vapes.
Police and a tax officer gave evidence, finding vodka and beer without UK duty stamps. Some raki bottles had fake duty payment papers. They also found shisha tobacco with no duty paid, and vape liquid bottles that broke the 2ml limit. These details came directly from evidence given.
Abdullah claimed he bought the alcohol legally, stating a retail cash and carry business sold it and that he had invoices for this purchase. Later, he mentioned buying Polish vodka from a different company. Abdullah did not think he committed crimes and explained why.
He said he left the country for surgery. Staff bought the shisha and vape liquid then; they did not know about UK vape limits. This is what Abdullah stated. Abdullah gave the council a letter from his lawyer saying someone else would be the licensee if they kept the store’s license.
Councillor Tom Butcher questioned Abdullah about the change. Abdullah said he would still manage the shop daily but could not name the new licensee. He asked the council for a second chance, saying he wanted to move on with his life there and pleaded with them for leniency.
This was the second council meeting about it; the first happened after the court closure. Abdullah said he would appeal the court’s decision, but the council postponed the meeting. The lawyer’s letter stated that Abdullah dropped the court appeal, according to the letter.
Abdullah has 28 days to appeal the license removal. He must appeal to the magistrates’ court if he disagrees.