Lincoln High Street Store Stripped of Liquor Licence Over Illicit Vape Sales
A High Street retail outlet known for selling illicit vapes to underage customers has had its alcohol licence rescinded. The City of Lincoln Council’s Alcohol Licensing Sub-Committee delivered the ruling on September 19 in a meeting that the licence holder deliberately avoided.
Store Front for Illegal Activity
In the hearing, officials from the Lincolnshire Police’s Alcohol Licensing Team disclosed that Lincoln Food Store had been caught in possession of illicit vapes three times since November 2022. Over 2,000 illegal vapes were discovered in the latest search held in July. This consistent pattern of infringement has led police to suspect the store to be a "front for illegal activity”.
Closure Order Imposed
Focussing on this suspicion, Lincolnshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service sought a closure order from the court on the store, thereby negating its trading rights. As a result of the closure order awarded by Lincoln Magistrates’ Court under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act of 2014, the store’s alcohol licence was automatically put under review and eventually revoked.
“This business has been closed by court order due to persons engaging in criminal activity on the premises,” read the signs now adorning the shop.
Retail Premise Licence Revoked
Speaking about this action, a spokesperson for City of Lincoln Council asserted, “Following relevant representation from Lincolnshire Police, and with supporting information from Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards, the city council’s Licensing Sub-Committee unanimously considered it appropriate and proportional to revoke the Premises Licence for Lincoln Food Store, 365 High Street, Lincoln.”
Intensified Action Against Illicit Vape Sales
This case represents one of many similar actions undertaken across Lincolnshire in response to the sale of unlawful vapes. Other towns such as Boston and Spalding have witnessed the closure of at least five such stores over the last year. Revealing the future of this campaign against illicit sales, Principal Trading Standards Officer Andy Wright stated:
"Wherever we find illegal cigarettes and vapes in Lincolnshire, we look to investigate them as criminal offences. We also consider issuing closure orders, we’ve had quite a number in the last 12 months. The number of applications we make is likely to increase significantly in the near future.”