Off-licence revocation

Following an application by Trading Standards for a review of the licence the Wrexham Council’s Licensing Sub Committee revoked the alcohol licence for Wrexham Lifestyle at 106 Rhosddu Road.

The shop has long been associated with sales of illegal tobacco and vapes and has also been selling alcohol below minimum unit price which has been a legal requirement in Wales since the implementation of The Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 on 2 March 2020.

In May this year the licensee, Rebaar Mahmood, was convicted for breach of his licence conditions by failing to have working CCTV at the shop. The shop is currently closed because of a closure order granted by Wrexham magistrates in May closing the premises until mid-August. The revocation means that if the shop does re-open it will be unable to sell alcohol.

Vaping has increased in popularity over the past ten years and is widely recognised as effective way to quit smoking tobacco. However, more recently there has been an explosion of interest in disposable vapes with people who have never smoked trying them out. It is illegal to sell vape products to under 18’s but in spite of this vapes have proved to be popular with young people and many of the products available are child appealing with sweet flavours and brightly coloured packaging. Some illegal products have even used the names of well-known sweets to promote them.

Although much less harmful than smoking tobacco, using vapes is not risk free. For that reason the law imposes specific restrictions on disposable vapes with a maximum capacity and a maximum nicotine strength. There are also strict labelling requirements. Illegal vapes of the kind found at The Vape Shop were found to breach these restrictions presenting a significant potential threat to the health of people using them.

Lead Member for Public Protection, Councillor Hugh Jones said,

“The rapid rise in the use of vapes by people who have never smoked and their use by children is very concerning and it is good to see that UK and Welsh Government are actively considering new legislation to tackle the problem.

“The sale of illegal products and under-priced alcohol in our community is of particular concern and we will not hesitate to use the legal powers we have to protect the health and wellbeing of our young people. I welcome the result of this action with the very practical impact of closing the premises for a considerable period of time.

“This disruption not only affects the owner of the business but also the property owner who will be unable to use or rent the premises for any purpose for the next 3 months. If you are a landlord or property agent with tenants who break the law in this way please be aware that similar action may be taken resulting in the loss of use of the premises by order of the Court.”

Convenience Store Closure Order

The 3-month closure order was against International Minimarket at 22 King Street in the City Centre and was granted following an application to the court from Trading Standards officers who set out a catalogue of sales and seizures of illegal products over recent months.

The order means that the premises has been closed down and locked up and will remain that way until 16 October.