Shops lose alcohol licences over illegal tobacco

Illegal cigarettes and vapes were found at Sam Mini Market

Two shops are no longer allowed to sell alcohol after they were found to be selling illegal tobacco.

Trading standards officers in Northampton investigated Sam Mini Market in Abington Square and Istanbul Mega Market in Gold Street in March.

Illicit cigarettes were discovered in backrooms and, at Sam Mini Market, concealed in a hidden compartment above a toilet.

Police asked West Northamptonshire Council to review the shops' licences on the grounds they were failing to prevent crime and protect children from harm.

Istanbul Mega Market took the decision to surrender its licence prior to a council hearing

The authority ruled the licence for Sam Mini Market, allowing it to sell alcohol from 08:00 until midnight seven days a week, should be revoked.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said new management had been put in place and had no intention of selling alcohol anymore.

Its alcohol licence had already been suspended due to non-payment of annual fees to the council.

Istanbul Mega Market took the decision to surrender its premises licence prior to a licensing hearing.