Northampton shop could lose its alcohol licence after police find illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes hidden beneath the counter

A licence review of Magazinul Maramares, in Wellingborough Road, has taken place on the grounds that the shop failed to promote the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder.

According to council documents, West Northants Council’s Trading Standards officers and Northamptonshire Police visited the shop on February 1, 2026, where a test purchase was carried out.

According to the police statement, officers carried out a test purchase at the shop before the later search of the premises.

The report states: “The officers approached the counter and spoke to a male who was described as Middle Eastern, between 20-25 years of age, very curly hair and a scruffy beard. He was asked for a packet of Lambert and Butler cigarettes. He was observed to bend down and reach under the counter and then took out a packet of cigarettes that were handed over. £5 was paid and was put into the till.”

A second visit was then carried out later the same day by Trading Standards and police, during which a search of the premises was undertaken.

According to the report, officers found 170 packets of cigarettes, 15 packets of 50g hand rolling tobacco and 170 illegal disposable vaping devices beneath the counter.

Council documents state the cigarettes, if sold at the “legitimate cost” of £16 per packet, would have a value of £2,720. The hand rolling tobacco, if sold at £38 per packet, would total £570.

The report states the tobacco products were allegedly illegal because they did not comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015.

It was also suspected the products were counterfeit copies of legitimate brands, bearing infringing copies of registered trademarks.

The current premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor is listed as Mr Amed Khudhur, who also holds a personal licence.

The report added the sub-committee could:

“a) modify the conditions of the licence,

"b) exclude a licensable activity from the licence,

“c) remove the designated premises supervisor,

“d) suspend the premises licence for a period not exceeding 3 months or

“e) revoke the licence”

Northamptonshire Police said: “We would ask the committee to consider in the first instance the revocation of the premises license. The license holder has shown a blatant disregard towards UK UK Licensing and Tobacco regulations.”

The premises is licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises only from 7am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.

The licensing hearing took place on Thursday, May 14. A decision is expected within five working days.