Ex-shop owner sold alcohol despite revoked licence

Officials found alcohol for sale in the shop in June 2023

A former shop owner who continued to sell alcohol after his licence was revoked has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Mohammed Sokhanvar Mahani was jailed for 24 weeks and had his licence revoked in December 2019 following repeated sales of alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, City of Wolverhampton Council said.

He was again found to be selling alcohol in his Wolverhampton shop in June and September last year.

The 52-year-old admitted three charges and was sentenced to two eight-week prison sentences to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months, at Dudley Magistrates' Court.

Mahani had been the proprietor of a store previously known as Super Mahan in Thornley Street. The store has since changed owners, the council said.

During the seizures by licensing officials in 2023, alcohol was found on shelving in the shop, behind the counter, in a basement, a storeroom and in a small cupboard under the stairs behind the counter.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, said: "Despite our repeated warnings, revocation of his licence and time in prison, Mahani continued to trade.

"We carried out this prosecution to send a message to others that if we have revoked your licence, we will do all we can to stop you continuing to sell."

Mahini was also ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work, pay a surcharge of £154 and costs of £5,678 by magistrates on 4 December.