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 premises.
According to local reports, Sandwell Council revoked the license granted to retailer Mandeep Sharma, owner of Hill Top Supermarket in West Bromwich, after a catalogue of illegal tobacco products, alcohol, prescription-only drugs, and fake mobile phones found at his store last year.
In another incident, a 15-year-old was also sold a pack of knives unchallenged at the store as part of an undercover sting by Sandwell’s trading standards.
A search of the shop in Hill Top in October last year found illegal cigarettes, banned snus and high-strength vapes, as well as illicit alcohol.
Hundreds of packets of Sildenafil, a prescription-only erectile dysfunction medicine commonly referred to as Viagra, were also found last year alongside bottles of Spumante labelled as genuine prosecco.
Sandwell’s trading standards returned later that week as part of an undercover sting which saw the shop sell a knife to a 15-year-old during a test purchase without asking for ID.
In another incident, a shop in Coventry which was selling items illegally has had its closure extended by another three months.
As informed by West Midlands Police, Sol's newsagents in Longford, which was closed for three months in December last year, will remain close for next three months as well.
The police states, "Until 24 May, it remains an offence for anyone not specifically named by the order to set foot in the premises."
The closure order was secured against Sol's following concerns around alcohol, tobacco and other items being sold to children.
As a result, Coventry Police worked with Coventry City Council to take enforcement action.
Coventry North East Inspector Gemma Marston said, "This premises has been a repeated cause for concern from people in the area and we are pleased to have extended the closure.
"All business owners and managers should take steps to ensure they abide by the laws and licensing regulations.
"Selling vapes and alcohol to children is unacceptable and we will continue to take action against premises where this is known to take place.
"If you have concerns about this kind of activity where you live, let us know and we will work with partners to ensure action is taken."
Panel discussion at the relaunch of the SAITG on 3 March 2025
