Off licence deemed worst in borough

1:31pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A STRETFORD off-licence had its alcohol licence revoked after trading standards deemed it the worst in the borough.

Mirza Baig, the premises licence holder at Thorosaver, Park Road, had his licence taken away after repeatedly selling alcohol to children.

In total three test purchasers for trading standards bought alcohol from Thorosaver, pictured, between September 2007 and February 2008. In one instance a 16-year-old girl acquired a bottle of counterfeit vodka.

The decision to revoke the licence was made following a hearing at Trafford Council’s Licensing Sub Committee on Friday, July 18.

Public protection manager, Graeme Levy, said: “We made Mr Baig aware that we’d had complaints about the sale of alcohol to those who are underage and we made it clear he’d be subject to test purchasing.”

He added: “It is the worst off-licence in Trafford and has received more complaints than any other. People complained their children ended up in hospital after drinking alcohol purchased there.”

Trading standards received 19 complaints since Mr Baig took over 18 months ago.

One resident alleged her 12-year-old son was hospitalised after drinking cider purchased there by a 13-year-old friend.

Mr Baig was convicted on April 30 of an underage sale and has since received two further complaints. In one instance a 15-year-old boy was hospitalised.

Mr Levy explained the shop had gained a reputation as an easy place for underage drinkers to buy alcohol with youngsters travelling to it from outside the area.

This led to youths gathering outside the shop and residents complaining about anti-social behaviour.

While trading standards have made prosecutions for underage alcohol sales before, including against Mr Baig, this was the first case in which a review of the premises licence was deemed appropriate.

The application was supported by Greater Manchester Police who submitted evidence relating to problems of anti-social behaviour.

Executive councillor Jonathan Coupe said: "Trafford Council took action against these premises as a direct result of the concerns expressed by the local community. Despite being written to and offered advice back in August 2007, Mirza Baig made no attempt to work with trading standards.”

"This is not an attempt to close down a business. These premises can continue to sell everything else apart from alcohol."

Chairman of Trafford’s Licensing Sub-Committee, Councillor Brian Rigby, said: "We have taken into account all of the evidence supplied to us by trading standards and were confident in reaching the decision to revoke this premises' licence.”

Mr Baig now has a period of time in which to appeal against the decision.

If you suspect a licensed premises is involved with the underage sale of alcohol, contact Trafford Trading Standards on 0161 912 1377.