Objections to shop’s plans to sell alcohol

Police and Trading Standards have objected to proposals for a Hereford shop to be allowed to sell alcohol.

Applicant Barzan Shekzade has asked Herefordshire Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol seven days a week from 7am until midnight at Razi Mini Market on Widemarsh Street.

The council’s licensing sub-committee is due to consider the proposals next Friday.

In his submissions, Mr Shekzade said he wished to open as a general store which also sells alcohol.

But Trading Standards and West Mercia Police have serious reservations over the proposals and submitted two outright objections.

Trading Standards officer Leah Wilson said: “It has been brought to our attention that the applicant has a history of being involved in the sale and supply of illicit tobacco from shops he owns in the Sandwell area.

“The evidence shows that we have reason to believe that Barzan Shekzade is not a fit and proper person to hold a premises licence or to uphold the licensing objectives, namely prevention of crime and disorder.”

West Mercia Police said they objected to the application on the grounds that to grant it will undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.

Jim Mooney, harm reduction and licensing coordinator, said: “West Mercia Police are in receipt of information with regards to the applicant (who is also the proposed designated premises supervisor) that is of a nature that in our opinion raises concern over his (their) suitability to hold a premises licence.”