A Spalding shop has had its premises licence revoked after undercover police were sold smuggled cigarettes.
South Holland District Council Licensing Committee revoked the licence of Lithuanian Grocery Ltd, at 82 Holbeach Road, after it was decided there were “no conditions that could be imposed that could alleviate the concerns of the panel due to poor management of the premises”, the decision notice states.
Issues detailed in the report include: “The keeping of smuggled goods at the premises” and “the sale of smuggled goods, as well as a persistant failure to comply with the conditions of the premises licence.”
Also: “There was no evidence of an effective proof of age policy and certainly no signs indicating such a policy was in operation.”
The licence holders have 21 days to appeal.
Sergeant Kim Enderby from the Alcohol Licensing Team said: “This store was found to be actively involved in selling illegal cigarettes and in breach of nearly all the conditions of their premises licence. All the cigarettes seized were illegal and smuggled into the country.
“Lincolnshire Police will continue to target those criminals involved in the trade of these illegal cigarettes and to work to prevent activity like this on licensed premises.
“I would appeal to members of the public who are aware of stores selling dangerous and illegal products to come forward with this information, all intelligence received will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action taken.
“We remain committed to the disruption, investigation and prosecution of all criminal behaviour being conducted on our licensed premises.”
