Three month closure order for city centre convenience store

A city centre convenience store has been ordered to close for three months.

The closure order, imposed by Wrexham Magistrates, was made against International Minimarket at 22 King Street in the City Centre.

It was granted following an application to the court from Trading Standards officers who set out a catalogue of sales and seizures of illegal products over recent months.

The order means that the premises has been closed down and locked up and will remain that way until 16 October.

A separate store on the outskirts of the city centre has also had its alcohol licence revoked following an application by Trading Standards.

Wrexham Lifestyle at 106 Rhosddu Road has long been associated with sales of illegal tobacco and vapes and has also been selling alcohol below minimum unit price.

In May this year the licensee, Rebaar Mahmood, was convicted for breach of his licence by failing to have working CCTV at the shop.

The shop is currently closed because of a closure order granted by Wrexham magistrates in May closing the premises until mid August.

The revocation means that if the shop does re-open it will be unable to sell alcohol.

Following an application by Trading Standards for a review of the Wrexham Lifestyle licence the council’s Licensing Sub Committee agreed to revoked its alcohol licence.

Lead Member for Public Protection, Councillor Hugh Jones said, “The rapid rise in the use of vapes by people who have never smoked and their use by children is very concerning and it is good to see that UK and Welsh Government are actively considering new legislation to tackle the problem.

“The sale of illegal products and under priced alcohol in our community is of particular concern and we will not hesitate to use the legal powers we have to protect the health and wellbeing of our young people.

“I welcome the result of this action with the very practical impact of closing the premises for a considerable period of time.

“This disruption not only affects the owner of the business but also the property owner who will be unable to use or rent the premises for any purpose for the next three months.

“If you are a landlord or property agent with tenants who break the law in this way please be aware that similar action may be taken resulting in the loss of use of the premises by order of the Court.”