AB Wines claimed that a man seen on CCTV being given cash in exchange for cans of Jack Daniel’s and Coke was simply being given coins to calm him down as he was begging
AB Wines is by Shepherd’s Bush Market Tube station on Uxbridge Road(Image: LDRS)
A West London shop has been stripped of its licence after breaches including allegedly buying alcohol stolen from a local Tesco.
An employee at AB Wines in Shepherd’s Bush was recorded on CCTV handing money to a man who had reportedly just nicked 10 cans of Jack Daniel’s and Coke.
AB Wines claimed the man was begging loudly and was given £5 in coins to “calm the situation”, though Hammersmith and Fulham councillors on Tuesday night (November 4) voted to revoke the premises of its licence.
The review of AB Wines’ licence was requested by the Met Police following the alleged handling of stolen goods in July.
According to PC Charlotte Bennett’s witness statement, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) informed her of the shoplifter, who was detained in AB Wines after the alleged theft from Tesco.
PC Bennett wrote that she was told the PCSO had spoken to the shop’s Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who said they had given the suspect £5 for the alcohol. Upon visiting the shop herself alongside PC Kerry Tanner, PC Bennett wrote that further breaches were identified including the DPS being unable to operate the CCTV and the presence of high-strength alcohol.
PC Bennett added that when she met the premises licence holder, Raj Shah, they were “dismissive about the handling stolen goods and denied that this is what had happened”, adding: “The premises licence holder was unwilling to accept the failings and there was no evidence of steps being taken to improve the management of the premises either.”
PC Bennett further listed a series of historic reports made to police regarding AB Wines, largely revolving around antisocial behaviour (ASB) outside the shop.
Adrian Overton, Licensing Team Manager at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, wrote in support of the Met Police’s request, noting the enforcement history of the premises which includes warnings for breaches going back a number of years.
The bus stop opposite AB Wines is reportedly known as a hotspot for people to gather(Image: LDRS)
A total of 37 representations were also filed by residents backing the review. Many of the concerns raised focussed on the issue of ASB outside the shop, as well as its location by the Westfield Hostel and schools.
One person wrote: “AB Wines is very different to other local off-licences. Other shops sell alcohol nearby but do not generate the same problems. The combination of being next to a hostel, directly opposite a primary school, and beside a bus stop has made AB Wines a hotspot for crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour.
“In particular the bus stop has become a frequent gathering point for groups of men who buy alcohol there, drink, party, put on loud music through speakers and cause regular nuisance.”
The premises did have eight letters of support sent in, as well as a response of its own detailing the action taken to remedy some of the concerns raised.
Nadeem Sultan, the DPS, in particular contested the allegation that he had purchased stolen alcohol. He claimed the man initially said he was returning some items, then began begging for money.
“His tone became increasingly demanding and the situation was causing concern to other customers, including a young lady waiting at the counter. To avoid escalation and to protect the safety and comfort of customers, I handed him a small amount of loose change and told him to buy food. My only intention was to calm the situation and encourage him to leave peacefully.”
Speaking to members on the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee, Noel Samaroo, an agent representing the premises, claimed AB Wines was at risk of being blamed for wider issues affecting the area.
“The narrative that you’ve been given is that regular people go in there and try and sell stolen goods,” he said. “That is not the case. This was a one-off situation.”
On the presence of the high-strength beer, which was found in a fridge in the back of the shop, Mr Samaroo said: “To say that they use this fridge out the back that is accessible to customers is a complete fabrication. It’s in the back of the store room. The customers don’t have access to the store room.”
Armin Solimani, legal counsel for the Met Police, told members that while the July incident constituted a “very serious” case it was not the only issue at the premises.
“It is extraordinary…where a single off-licence has now got three reviews to its name,” he said. “It’s an extraordinary situation to be in but it will also make a mockery of the licensing regime if an off-licence is able to keep its licence after three reviews. It would send a very poor signal to the other operators, the vast majority of whom play by the rules and incur costs to do so.”
Two local residents, George Wyndham and Cruz Wyndham, also spoke in support of the proposed revocation.
Ms Wyndham told the sub-committee: “As early as 3pm, 2pm, I have been harassed by a group of men gathering. I’ve been shouted at, it’s affected my mental health. I feel threatened. My children have been shouted at.”
“I think this place should not be selling alcohol,” she added.
Councillors quizzed both the police and the operator at some length to ascertain in particular how culpable AB Wines is for reported issues of ASB outside the premises. While PC Tanner conceded the bus stop located directly opposite contributes to the problem she said AB Wines has been an area of concern for some time.
She added that attempts to work with the operator, in particular inviting him into the station to discuss the issues further, has proven largely unsuccessful, with him either being on holiday or unable to make it.
In his summing up Mr Samaroo reiterated his concern that AB Wines “is in danger of being used as a bit of a scapegoat”. Following deliberation councillors agreed to revoke the licence.
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