Southwark Council has taken action against Nunhead Express after the store was found to be dealing illegal tobacco products, fake Labubu dolls and unlicensed erectile dysfunction products.
Nunhead Express at 2 Kirkwood Road, London SE15 3XX, has now had its licence revoked, subject to appeal, following a review hearing instigated by trading standards and supported by local police.
The revocation decision on 2 June by the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee followed unanimous agreement from the committee, who said they had no confidence in the trader’s ability to operate the premises responsibly.
Over 1,000 illegal single-use vapes were found and seized along with illegal cigarettes and tobacco. A covert test purchase had led to the inspections after it was found Marlboro Touch cigarettes were available for £5 a pack. These were believed to be counterfeit.
Police also seized small bags of what appeared to be herbal cannabis marked at £20 per bag along with unlicensed erectile dysfunction ointments and 100 large cans of nitrous oxide gas. These are often misused with balloons as a recreational drug.
Alongside the illegal products, licensing and food labelling issues were also identified at the store, including Polish lager found without any English language labelling or a UK importer’s details.
Nunhead Express was previously known affiliated with Nisa and it is understood that due to the issues found at the premises, the Nisa franchise was terminated.
Councillor David Watson, Executive Member for Community Safety and Engagement at Southwark said: “We’re determined to make Southwark safer by taking tough action against crime.
“Genuine, hardworking local retailers in our communities are undermined by the sale of fake, illegal and unsafe products – it is vital that we protect our local businesses as well as consumers by taking action where necessary.
“This is another great result for our Trading Standards team. It shows Southwark Council will stand-up for legitimate businesses and safer high streets, and we will protect our neighbourhoods.”
The revocation decision is subject to an appeal to be heard by the Magistrates. The operator’s license will remain in place until the decision is either confirmed or overturned.