Shop owner blames 'troubled area' after hundreds of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized
A north Manchester shop has lost its alcohol licence after hundreds of illegal cigarettes and vapes were seized – but its owner has blamed the 'troubled area' around it. Collyhurst Village Store has had its premises licence revoked.
At a town hall hearing today , owner Yaser Mehmood was accused of not cooperating with Manchester council. Mr Mehmood, who was not at the shop during these raids, blamed the sale of illegal cigarettes on staff but took responsibility for the on-display vapes which exceeded the legal limit of 2ml.However, he told the licensing panel that he cannot find 'professional' people to work at the shop because it is in a 'very troubled area'. He said: "Nobody likes to work in my shop.
Quizzed by councillors as to whether he employs people who are 'basically on the edge of criminality', Mr Mehmood said: "I'm guilty there." Labour councillor John Flanagan then asked Mr Mehmood whether he is leaving people who are 'not really trustworthy' in charge of his shop. He responded: "I have no choice."
Mr Mehmood also said that the premises has not been selling alcohol since 2020 as it was 'bringing too much trouble' to the shop. The panel decided to revoke the shop's licence which means alcohol is no longer allowed to be sold.