An Edinburgh shopkeeper who pulled out a kitchen knife during an argument with a “racist” customer has been issued with a warning.
Rajan Patel was hauled before the licensing board after he was caught on CCTV taking the blade out from behind the counter during the heated exchange last year, which he admitted was a “mistake”.
Police said he was “pointing it downwards” and did not brandish it towards the man but criticised the shop owner for having a “shocking disregard for public safety”.
Mr Patel claimed the customer had subjected him and other staff to “racist abuse” over several months and the knife was used to encourage him to leave the store as he felt threatened.
A councillor described the events as “really shocking” and said: “We are not the wild west – we are not the sort of place where you keep a shotgun behind the bar. That is completely unacceptable.”
Detailing the incident at Nairne Convenience Store on November 1 last year, Sgt Barry Mercer said the man entered and “an argument ensued where Mr Patel was animated, waving his hands before pulling out a kitchen knife from below the counter”.
He said: “Mr Patel held the knife in his right hand, pointing it downwards but he did not brandish the knife towards the male. The male was standing still and his body language did not appear to be aggressive.
“This is not a multi tool or a box cutter used for packaging – this is a large bladed kitchen knife.”
On seeing the blade, the customer “backed away, brought his mobile phone out and started filming the incident,” Sgt mercer told the board. “On seeing this Mr Patel put the knife back under the counter.
“The customer left the premises and reported the incident to the police.”
Mr Patel then called the police to report that the man was “racially abusive” however later confirmed to officers he was not racially abused.
Upon being subsequently arrested and charged shortly afterwards, he told the police officers “I did that to protect myself”.
He was reported to the procurator fiscal and on November 17 the matter was concluded with “no further proceedings” in relation to the case.
Sgt Mercer said: “Regardless of the fact the fiscal has not proceeded with the criminal case, we believe that the licence holder, Mr Patel, has showed disregard for licensing objectives – preventing crime and disorder and securing public safety.
“The fact there’s been a knife stored below the counter of the shop is worrying in itself, the fact it was then produced during an argument causes further concern.
“There’s been a shocking disregard for public safety, the safety of other patrons and Mr Patel’s own safety as well with possession of this large knife.”
Mr Patel apologised to the board and stressed there was “no intent of hurting him”. He said over the over the course of the preceding six month period the man was “being racist” toward him and his staff.
During the incident in question, he claimed the man said he was “going to get a bunch of people and I’m going to see you outside”.
He said: “He was being aggressive to me and my staff as well, it was happening since long time.
“This is my only source to feed my family and I fully cooperated with the police. This is the mistake I done, I know. I never tried to destroy CCTV footage or anything. This is my mistake that has happened but I assure you this is the first and last time this has happened.
“As soon as I realised I made the mistake I put the knife back there. I was pictured holding the knife, the reason it was there was not for attacking anybody.”
Councillor Chas Booth said: “This was a really shocking incident; we are not the wild west – we are not the sort of place where you keep a shotgun behind the bar. That is completely unacceptable.
“If there was a history of really difficult customers potentially breaching the law in terms of racial abuse, you should have been on the phone to the police and the fact you weren’t is a cause for concern.”
Councillor Catherine Fullerton said she was “still puzzled why a big kitchen knife was under your counter”.
She added: “Do you realise how dangerous that was – anything could have happened… blood could have been spilled. To do that is just not the right thing for a licence holder to do.”
Mr Patel replied: “When I asked him to leave the shop he was standing there and the word he was using – that’s why I got a bit more angry, and by mistake I grabbed and the knife came in hand. I never raised on him because I never do those things in my life.”
Sgt Mercer said: “I would argue a kitchen knife with a four of five inch blade is not a practical item for a convenience store. It may have been there for several years as well.”
Licensing board chair Councillor Louise Young said: “Mr Patel you should have been phoning the police to report these incidents of racial abuse.
“I sadly feel that perhaps when this kind of thing can happen too often you just try and ignore it. Sadly, it can start to happen too often and you start to accept it as part of life and that’s not how it should be.
“But there are lots of other ways that would have been better to deal with that incident. I do believe it was an instinctive reaction to feeling threatened and wanting this person to leave from his property.
“However I don’t really want to penalise a person for making a very bad decision on one day and on moment that thankfully did not go on to have very severe consequences. And as Mr Patel points out at no point was he brandishing the knife towards the individual. This was a visual deterrent I believe, as much as that is still serious.”
The board issued a written warning on the store’s premises licence and endorse Mr Patel’s personal licence. A further two endorsements in the next five years would result in it being automatically revoked.
For the second successive year TOVARITCH! Vodka is supporting Save the Children by supplying drinks to The Arora Ball, a major fund-raising event for the charity.
The event is on Saturday 9 November 2024 and is taking place at The Intercontinental London. Save the Children has been chosen as one of the beneficiary charities.
The Arora Ball was started by Surinder and Sunita Arora of The Arora Group and is a flagship event in the charity sector. The event is attended by some 800 guests. Since 2010, this annual event has raised millions of pounds for a variety of charities. Previously the event raised around £1million for charities.
TOVARITCH! has supported Save the Children since 2016 and consistently supported events since 2017 by providing various produce to serve to guests or to raise money. In one year, for example, the company donated a package that included its multi-award-winning vodka alongside its premium fresh caviar and a luxury mountain stay in St. Moritz, raising over £20,000 as a result.
“We are delighted to support such an important event in the charity calendar," said Eugenio Litta Modignani, CEO and founder of TOVARITCH! Vodka (owned by TSI SA)."Our brand name, TOVARITCH! translates as ‘friend’ and our ethos is based on creating supportive friendships wherever we can. We are therefore delighted to once again support this worthy cause.”
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB (CCEP) has reached a new milestone of providing seven million surplus soft drinks to food redistribution charity FareShare since 2017.
The milestone coincides with FareShare’s 30th anniversary and marks seven years of the partnership with the GB Coca-Cola bottler.
CCEP aims to maximise the impact of its surplus drinks, ensuring that products which might otherwise go to waste are instead diverted to support the many charities in FareShare’s network. Redistributing surplus drinks also aligns with CCEP’s wider sustainability target to reduce food waste in its operations by 50% by 2030 in GB. As a longstanding partner of FareShare,
CCEP’s donations have reached more than 7,000 charities and community groups. These include supporting over 500 homeless charities, and nearly 400 charities working with community groups supporting elderly people.
Beyond surplus stock donations, CCEP expanded its support for FareShare this year through a collaboration with Tesco. For every 24-pack of 330ml Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar cans sold, 20p was donated to FareShare – enough to redistribute one meal (as per WRAP’s guidance). The initiative raised £35,000, equivalent to 175,000 meals.
Looking ahead to Christmas, CCEP will partner with grocery and wholesale partners on further in-store promotions to boost awareness and donations for FareShare.
“At CCEP, we’re committed to giving back to the communities we work in, whether that’s through donating stock or our time, to help us deliver a more positive and meaningful impact in society," said Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager at CCEP.
“It’s fantastic to reach such a large milestone and especially to coincide with FareShare’s 30th birthday. I look forward to continuing this successful and important partnership for many years to come and helping those who need it most.”
Polly Bianchi, Chief Income and Engagement Officer at FareShare said: “We’re very grateful to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for their support of FareShare over the last few years. Their generosity in providing seven million drinks that may otherwise have gone to waste has helped support the 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK, including older people’s lunch clubs and community centres, all working harder than ever to strengthen communities up and down the country.”
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Seema Misra (L-4) and Vijay Parekh (L-5) receive Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Sub-postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal have been honoured at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards, conferring them with the Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award.
The Award, instituted in the memory of the founder of Asian Media Group and Asian Trader Ramniklal Solanki CBE, is presented to a person, or group of people, who have made an outstanding contribution the convenience retail sector.
Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh represented the postmasters at the event held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Wrongly convicted due to bugs in the Post Office's computer system, both Misra and Parekh were sent to prison in 2010 – Misra while two months pregnant. Their conviction finally overturned in 2021.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 16 retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Despite decades of selfless service running businesses that serve as local community hubs, the victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal endured extraordinary hardship.
The implementation of a new computer system turned hundreds of conscientious and hard-working retailers into criminals almost overnight. They were accused of theft and fraud, when it was actually the new software that was faulty.
Despite protestations of innocence, they have been slandered, abused, prosecuted, imprisoned, bankrupted and perhaps most hurtful of all, ignored – by the justice system, by the government and by the public, who had been kept in the dark about this greatest miscarriage of justice our country has ever seen.
Asian Trader and a handful of other publications shed light on this injustice, thanks to the bravery of our winners who continued to campaign in a David and Goliath battle as they took on one of the country’s largest organisations and the State itself.
Then, at the beginning of this year, an ITV drama series, Mr Bates versus the Post Office, finally stamped that tragic tale front and centre on the national consciousness, where it has remained.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
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Shahzad Malik (third from left), of Bestway Wholesale, receives Wholesale Depot of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Bestway Glasgow Sher deport on Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow has won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award, supported by Tilda, at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Bestway Sher is a dynamic and innovative depot that invests in its staff and new technology to ensure the very best service for its more than 3000 customers.
Using the latest digital technology and social media, the depot targets individual customers with special offers based on precise differential criteria. The depot is well merchandised with numerous branded bays dedicated to specific suppliers to highlight the category, their best deals and fast or new product lines.
Manager Aftab Mohammed has managed to maintain 97 per cent product availability, with sales split sales split 60 / 40 between foodservice and retail.
At Bestway Sher, new staff are “buddied-up” with an experienced team member and undergo training on all aspects of operational procedure. Above all, the depot works seamlessly with its suppliers, and Mohammed stresses that that the strong relationships and harmonious working with manufacturers really helps achieve depot goals.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
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Priyesh Vekaria (third from left) receives Responsible Retailer of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Priyesh Vekaria, who runs the One Stop Carlton Convenience store in Salford, Manchester, has won the Responsible Retailer of the Year award, supported by Imperial Brands, at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Vekaria’s sense of responsibility might have something to do with the fact that before he became a retailer he worked as a policeman for 10 years, and his new retail career was in fact a return to what his parents had done for 30 years.
Using state-of-the-art technology and supported by comprehensive staff training, he has enhanced both the shopping experience and safety of customers and staff.
Unsurprisingly, Vekaria enforces a strict ‘Challenge 25’ and ‘No ID, No Sale’, but in addition, he has also developed a unique customer engagement strategy, supported by his staff, who are all graduates, sponsored by Vekaria, who himself is a law graduate.
He calls his policy ‘Dynamic Risk Assessment’, which allows him to tailor an approach based on individual circumstances, promoting safer and more responsible sales. His sense of responsibility extends to the future wellbeing of his customers, and anybody who tells Vekaria they want to quit smoking is given assistance with next-generation alternatives.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire