Nasza Biedronka in New Hall Lane Pic: Google
A New Hall Lane off licence isĀ being hauled before licensing chiefs after an investigation by Trading Standards.
Officers from Lancashire County Council’s trading standards team claim they have evidence of counterfeit cigarettes being sold from Nasza Biedronka.
Documents submitted to the licensing sub-committee have signed witness statements following a number of raids on the premises since August 2015.
An application to review the licence, held by Sarwa Wally Mohammed, outlines how since February 2013 trading standards officers have made 12 test purchases of illegal cigarettes.
They’ve also seized 569 packets of tobacco and cigarettes and 14 bottles of vodka.
Related: Preston newsagent fined for selling badly labelled cigarettes
Trading Standards say: “A lengthy history of illegal activity at Nasza Biedronka represents a flagrant and systematic disregard for the relevant licensing objectives.
“The trade in illicit products is considered to be an integral feature of its business model which has continued, unabated, despite repeated enforcement activity and a regular turnover of ownership and management.
“Furthermore, it is clear that the premise is not complying with key conditions of its licence, relevant to the protection of children from harm. Conditions designed to prevent youngsters from purchasing alcohol are being openly and willfully ignored.”
Related: Contraband booze and cigarettes seized at New Hall Lane premises
Councillors are due to hear the evidence against Sirwan Darkala, Seywan Abdullah, Alan Mohammed Salih and Sirwan Ali Kareem, who are all said to have taken part in selling contraband goods.
The licensing sub-committee is due to meet on Thursday 31 March from 10am to decide on the Nasza Biedronka case.