Shop that sold illegal tobacco ‘wants its licence back’

A shop that was banned from selling tobacco and alcohol is reapplying for a new licence, it has been reported.

Owner Nzar Jabar Kadir’s bid has been opposed by local authorities who cite a massive hive of criminal activity around the shop and fear that allowing it to sell alcohol would only increase the problem.

Kadir told The Huddersfield Examiner: “We have noted the prevalent issue regarding the sale and supply of illicit tobacco problems. We have researched the history of the premises and are extremely cognisant of the fact that previous premises licences have been revoked after breaches of conditions, especially around the sale and supply of illicit tobacco products.”

The shop says it will step up monitoring in a bid to regain its licence, however local councillor Clr Julie Stewart Turner has lodged an objection.

Turner told same paper: “On John William Street alone over the last six months (there have been) 11 violence with injury incidents, 12 violence without injury incidents, five drunk and disorderly incidents the latter two at peak times of 11pm and midnight.

“I’m concerned that off licence sales on John William Street at this time would increase the risk of further incidents.”

Some 52 criminal damage incidents have been reported in the area over the last six months.