License of an independent convenience store in Belle Vue has been suspended after counterfeit vodka was found on sale on the premises.
Hartlepool Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee took the decision following a request from the authority’s Trading Standards Team to review the Premises Licence held by Belle Vue Convenience Store in Belle Vue Way.
The licence allowed the sale of alcohol from 8am-11pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-10.30pm on Sundays.
The visit by a trading standard officer and an environmental health officer was carried out as part of checks at off-licences across the town following a counterfeit alcohol alert issued by the Food Standards Agency.
Members of the Licensing Sub-Committee heard that five 35cl bottles of counterfeit and dangerous vodka were found to be on open sale. Subsequent tests showed it contained a dangerous substance that made it unfit for human consumption.
A wider search of the premises also found 194 illegal vapes in various places behind the counter, on display and in a store room.
When interviewed, the holder of the Premises Licence holder and designated premises supervisor Amandip Singh Kapoor said the vodka was purchased legitimately and he was unaware that the vapes were illegal.
Councillor Gary Allen who chaired the Licensing Sub-Committee, said after the meeting, “A licence to sell alcohol in Hartlepool comes with the responsibilities of upholding the principles of public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.
“Any premises caught selling counterfeit alcohol will face having its licence reviewed and, where appropriate, revoked entirely.
“The vodka found at this shop contained a dangerous substance and this highlights how sales of counterfeit products can put people’s live at risk.
"Sales of counterfeit products, including vapes, also undermine the viability of legitimate businesses and impact the local economy.”
In another incident, the license of a convenience store in Birmingham got revoked after it a knife was sold to a teenager and a hoard of fake and illegal goods were found at the premise
Panel discussion at the relaunch of the SAITG on 3 March 2025
