Shop licence revoked after illegal tobacco seized

Goods had been seized on previous visits when the shop traded as Baba Jaga 2

A shop has been stripped of its licence to sell alcohol after cash and illegal tobacco products were seized from a property above the premises.

Councillors heard police witnessed two males jumping from a window above Gusto Market in Harehills, Leeds, during a recent inspection.

When officers gained entry to the flat, illegal vapes and cigarettes were found, along with walkie talkies.

The shop, on Strathmore Drive, had its licence revoked following a meeting of Leeds City Council's licensing sub-committee.

A police report submitted to the panel said: "Officers gained entry to the flat and recovered a substantial amount of illicit and illegal vapes and cigarettes from the flat, along with large amounts of cash.

"Evidence located in the flat showed that the goods were believed to have been stored for Gusto, and to be sold in Gusto.

"Walkie talkies were present in both the store and the flat, suggesting levels of sophistication and organisation to carry out this operation."

The hearing was told sales of illicit alcohol and tobacco had been widespread in Harehills, with one officer saying the "dangerous items" were "aimed at the poorest and most vulnerable" and sold at a "price point where children can afford it".

The sub-committee heard goods had also been seized on previous visits when the shop traded as Baba Jaga 2.

After police applied for a licence review last October a new company, Gusto Market Mini Ltd, was incorporated to run the premises.

Police objected to the name change, their report said, but the council allowed the licensing transfer at a hearing on 5 December.

Monday's hearing was also told that bottled drinks in the shape of weapons and male genitalia were on sale during the April visit.

Council health improvement specialist Emilia Slezak said: "This is not responsible retailing.

"It glamorises firearms and associates the product with violent behaviour, in an area with already high levels of violence associated with alcohol."

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