A SOUTHAMPTON convenience store caught selling illegal cigarettes on multiple occasions has had its licence to sell alcohol and tobacco revoked.

City council chiefs made the decision to strip Euro Food Store, on Bridge Road, Woolston, of its licence after a case was brought forward by Trading Standards.

The body, in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary, said it had tested the shop, owned by Yanni Store Ltd, since November last year after a complaint was received.

An investigation revealed that an enforcement officer was able to buy a packet of NZ cigarettes for just £3.50. They also did not bear a health warning, making them illegal.

Five additional searches and tests uncovered more illegal cigarettes, which were seized.

The store was also found to be selling high-percentage foreign beer, which was not labelled in English as required by law.

Records of deliveries, invoices and receipts were also incomplete.

The law says these must be kept for a period of 24 months from purchase.

Additionally, Trading Standards gave evidence of how owners failed to comply with conditions on the licence in relation to CCTV, and lacked clear management at the premises.

As a result, the shop’s licence to sell alcohol and tobacco was revoked by the authority’s licensing committee.

It is unknown if the shop, which remains open, will appeal the decision.

A council spokesperson said: “Southampton City Council will continue to monitor our licensed premises to ensure they uphold the licensing objectives and comply with the conditions on their licence.

“We always aim to work with the premises in the first instance but when that fails we will present the evidence for action to be taken.”

It comes after city shop New Rywal, on St Mary’s Road, received the largest ever local fine for also selling illegal tobacco.

The owner of the shop, Kamil Szklarz, 41, entered two guilty pleas for himself, and two guilty pleas on behalf of the company.

The fine given by magistrates totalled £4,099.

Trading Standards enforcers say they searched the premises on three separate occasions since December, using sniffer dogs to uncover 36 unlabelled tobacco products found hidden in a concealed compartment in a bathroom.

Cllr Rayment, public realm member, said: “I’m very pleased to see how effective our enforcement actions are working, in this case, that the court sent a strong message to those who try to sell illegal tobacco with the fine imposed.”

Euro Food Store declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Echo regarding the council decision.