Police call for Preston supermarket to lose its licence

Police have called for Europa Delikatesy, in Ribbleton Lane, Preston, to have its licence revoked, with Trading Standards officers, environmental health and nearby businesses all voicing their concerns.

In an application to Preston Council, PC Julie Stewart said: “Police are applying for this review as they have genuine concerns about the lack of control at the premises and believe that the designated premises supervisor (DPS) is not acting responsibly by allowing customers to purchase alcohol and consume it immediately after leaving the shop often on local business land.

“It appears that the shop having an alcohol licence is having a detrimental effect on the area.”

The application said police and trading standards went to the shop last year, following reports illicit tobacco was being sold from a vehicle in the car park.

It said a man was spoken to and admitted to working at the shop, and the vehicle he was known to be using was searched with 222 packets of cigarettes seized.

The DPS said he was unaware of the sale of tobacco.

Local businesses had also contacted police, claiming customers had been drinking alcohol in their car park or on their walls.

Saman Sabouri, who works in the shop, said since a letter was received from the council about two months ago, anyone known to have been drinking outside was not served.

He said he didn’t know anything about the cigarettes, and said a former boss was dealing with the claim, but said: “Nobody is selling illegal stuff here.”