A shop in Trowbridge, which had previously been subject to a closure order has now also had its alcohol licence revoked.
7 Days Trowbridge Ltd, located at 6 & 7 Wicker Hill, was issued with a four-week closure order on 19 June. The order, issued the under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was granted by Salisbury Magistrates' Court.
At the council's Western Area Licensing meeting, held on 10 July, the sub-committee agreed to revoke the business's Premises Licence, deeming that the owner had failed to comply with his obligations in respect of the licensing objectives of Prevention of Crime and Disorder and Public Safety.
Officers noted that there had been a repeated pattern of non-compliance with tobacco control legislation and raised concerns regarding the premises' adherence to the licensing objectives. The Premises Licence Holder, 7 Days Trowbridge Ltd, had failed to update their registered address and had extended the premises into an adjoining property, 6 Wicker Hill, without contacting the Licensing Authority to apply for a variation to the licence. The holder had also failed to comply with a previous suspension of the premises licence.
The business, operated by Hawkar Mohamed, opened in 2022 and has been the subject of repeated investigations. Since September 2022, Trading Standards officers have seized illegal disposable vapes, counterfeit tobacco products, and large sums of cash from the premises. Despite verbal and written warnings, illegal activity has continued. Reports of illicit sales persisted throughout 2023, 2024, and into 2025.
In April 2025, officers from Wiltshire Police stopped a man pulling a suitcase near the premises. He was found with hundreds of packets of illicit tobacco and over £1,200 in cash. He was also in possession of keys to the shop, where he claimed to be staying. A subsequent search of the premises by the police uncovered more illegal tobacco and more than £3,000 in cash. A further £2,500 was also found on Mr Mohamed when he arrived.
Cllr Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said, "Mr Mohamed has been the subject of numerous investigations by our Trading Standards team. Despite a number of warnings and enforcement, illegal activity at his premises has continued. As such, it was felt by the Sub-Committee that there were serious concerns about the business adhering to licensing objectives, leading to the revoking of the licence."
The retailer has the right to appeal the decision at the Magistrates Court within 21 days of the written notification of the outcome. In the event of an appeal being lodged, the decision made by the Licensing Sub-Committee will be deferred until the appeal is heard and any decision made by the Magistrates Court.