Ealing Retailer Suspended for Three Months for Selling Illegal Products

Ealing retailer suspended for three months for selling illegal products

Brief news: According to UK media outlet mylondon, a business in Ealing has had its operating licence suspended for three months after investigators discovered it was selling illegal products. On two separate occasions over a three-year period, Ealing Council officers found a large quantity of counterfeit cigarettes, nearly one kilogram of smuggled rolling tobacco, and several hundred grams of Indian tobacco hidden inside Allenby News.

Licence holder Jugmohan Singh allegedly hid the goods behind bags of charcoal, in plastic bags at the back of the shop, and on one occasion even took counterfeit cigarettes directly out of his pocket and handed them to officers. Bob Dear of Ealing Council said that during two separate visits, the shop had been warned about the consequences of concealing illegal goods. Despite being told they would receive a final warning if they surrendered the products, they still failed to do so.

This led councillors Anthony Kelly, Julian Gallant and Sanjai Kohli to review the shop’s licence. Based on Mr Dear’s findings, the unpaid duty was estimated at about £1,225, and he recommended that the shop’s licence be revoked.

Richard Davenport, representing Mr Singh, told the panel bluntly: “This is not the most serious breach,” adding, “The licence holder understands that what he did was absolutely foolish.”

The premises licence was suspended for three months, and the business was required to appoint a new supervisor. Meanwhile, the council strongly advised Mr Singh to undergo further training.