Hereford city shop could lose licence

A late-night Hereford shop faces losing its alcohol licence over what are claimed to be repeated breaches of its conditions.

In November 2021, Magazin Timisoara in Commercial Road was granted an off-premises licence for the sale of alcohol until 2am seven days a week.

The shop has also used the names Sam’s Off Licence and more recently, Jaff Off Licence. Its current licensee is given as Hemen Nigeen Hassan.

According to a report for Herefordshire Council’s licensing subcommittee, on four occasions, three being since last September, the shop has been found failing to comply with conditions attached to the licence, despite written warnings.

Even in early October 2021, council officials complained to the then premises licence holder that passers-by couldn’t see into the shop as the windows were obstructed, contrary to the licence. This had not been complied with two weeks later.

Then last September during a multi-agency visit to the shop, breaches were found relating to window coverage, strong spirits being on sale on shelves, and the apparent lack of an incident log, staff training records, an age-challenge policy and refusals register.

Breaches were still found during a follow-up visit by police officers in November.

PC Gemma Gibbs said in a statement supporting council officers’ bid for a premises licence review that during this most recent visit, she and another officer noted some efforts to comply with the licence conditions.

But there were still visual obstructions caused by the window display, which features drinks bottles of strength 30 per cent and above, she said.

These appear to be mostly continental drinks brands.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service fire safety inspector Charly Perkins said his service also supported the review of Magazin Timisoara’s licence.

“There are several fire safety deficiencies that require action within the premises, and at present Mr Hassan is not co-operating,” he wrote.

Mr Hassan was approached for comment.