Shops stripped of drink licences

Mar 18 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TWO corner shops a few streets apart were stripped of their alcohol licences yesterday.

Crosland Moor retailers Stop ’n’ Shop and A G Minimart were caught selling drink to under-18s.

Kirklees Council’s Licensing Panel ruled on the cases yesterday. Chairman Clr Christine Iredale said: “We do not appreciate under-age drinking.”

The panel of three councillors heard that staff at Stop ’n’ Shop on Nabcroft Rise were caught selling alcohol to under-18s on October 27 and December 8 last year.

Insp Dave Glover, of Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team, told the panel that one of the shop’s employees, who gave his name as Shakil Ibrahim, had not co-operated when questioned by a trading standards officer.

Insp Glover said: “Ibrahim treated the entire interview with contempt and inappropriate humour. The officer also felt threatened by his behaviour.”

He added that the shop had caused other problems in the area.

Insp Glover said: “The area deteriorated rapidly, with vandalism, litter and anti-social behaviour.

“The shop closed in January and the local residents have noted a marked improvement in the quality of life.”

Tariq Ahmed, whose father, Bashir, holds the licence for Stop ’n’ Shop, also spoke at the panel meeting.

He said: “My father had to go to Pakistan in a hurry in mid-October. He sold the stock to someone he knew, but unfortunately he didn’t transfer the licence over to this person. It was negligent by my father.

“I’m ashamed to be sat here. I’m really embarrassed.”

Tariq said he had closed the shop in January after learning of the under-age sales and added that his father would like to re-open it when he returns from Pakistan next month.

He said his family had run the shop since 1997 without problems.

The panel decided to remove Bashir Ahmed as licensee, but said he could re-apply if he wished.

The panel then heard the case of A G Minimart on nearby Church Avenue.

Staff there were caught selling alcohol to under-18s on August 25, October 27 and December 23 last year.

Insp Glover said a different member of staff had been responsible each time.

No-one from A G Minimart was at the meeting.