Kettering and Wellingborough shops lose licence for selling illicit tobacco

Shops in Kettering and Wellingborough have had their licenses revoked after they were found selling illicit tobacco.

Alma Express in Montagu Street, Kettering, and Rogalik in Midland Road, Wellingborough, both sold illicit tobacco to undercover police officers on separate occasions and had their licenses revoked at separate hearings.

Illicit tobacco costs the taxpayer more than two billion pounds in lost revenue each year.

Licensing Sergeant Simon Moreton said: "On the surface, this may just look like a simple job of taking illegal goods, which are often dangerous and could seriously damage people’s health, off our streets in Northamptonshire.

"However, there is a much bigger picture here. Illicit tobacco has links to serious and organised crime - the tackling of which is an absolute priority for Northamptonshire Police."

Kettering's Alma Express was caught out in a multi-agency visit from the police, HMRC and Trading Standards. The shop was selling both illicit tobacco and alcohol that had not had the duty paid.

Undercover police officers visited Alma Express on two more occasions and officers bought illicit tobacco both times.

They also discovered the shop was employing an illegal worker.

Undercover police officers were also able to buy illicit tobacco from Rogalik in Wellingborough on two separate occasions.

The shop was searched and police even found a secret hole in the wall to keep the illicit goods separate from legitimate ones.

Licensing Sergeant Simon Moreton added: "The work we have been doing here also aims to safeguard vulnerable people. Illegal workers are often treated poorly – they have no rights, no access to basic things like sick pay, and do not have anyone to turn if they are unhappy.

"It is our duty to investigate and tackle this and we will continue to do so alongside our partners at Trading Standards and HMRC."

Both premises have 21 days to appeal the decision to revoke their licences.

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