Police have expressed concerns over an application for a premises licence in Spalding, due to be heard on Friday (Oct 14).
Zarid Limalia (19) has made an application to create an off-licence, VIP Alcohol, in the Winsover Road shop he currently runs as Global Image hair salon – next to Aldi.
A representation from Lincolnshire Police to a panel of South Holland’s licensing authority said officers had met with Mr Limalia and “sought answers from the applicant about any possible links to persons connected with nearby shops which had their off-licences revoked with their links to criminal offences especially in relation to non-duty cigarettes (smuggled goods)”.
It said: “The applicant gave assurances that he and the proposed premises are not linked or connected with these persons.
“Lincolnshire Police has concerns about the application. Further enquiries and discussions with the applicant are needed.”
Winsover and Baltic shops have both had licences revoked in recent weeks and multi-agency raids on a string of unnamed Spalding stores a fortnight ago led to the seizure of 36,620 cigarettes, 1.4kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 12.6 litres of alcohol – all illicit.
Two vehicles were also seized.
