Angel's Corner Mini Market in Islington has had its alcohol licence revoked following police allegations that the shop sold stolen goods, a decision that could force the family-run business to close.
Police Allegations and Arrests
Metropolitan Police officers requested the licence review after the licence holder and a woman in her 40s were arrested in August on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Both were interviewed under caution and later released on bail.
In a report to Islington's licensing committee, police said they found bottles of wine "bearing Sainsbury's branding" on the shop's shelves, along with other beverages in the stock room with "grey plastic tags still attached". No charges have been brought, and the two individuals deny any wrongdoing.
Council Hearing and Defence
At a licensing hearing on Monday, November 2, a council officer backed the police's position. Dan Whitton, licensing officer, said the shopkeeper had failed to engage or cooperate with the council after it gave notice of the licence review.
"The evidence here clearly supports the view that this is a poorly run off-licence and has certainly not demonstrated the highest standard of management we expect from these businesses in the borough," he said.
However, the licence holder's representative, barrister Mr Kamran Uddin, argued that the hearing presumed his clients' guilt despite no charges being brought. He said answering questions about a police investigation would create a "parallel jurisdiction".
"Last time I checked, we still are under the Human Rights Act for the right to a fair trial, and we're not in Russia," he said. Uddin added that stripping the licence would cause the business to lose 70 per cent of its revenue, leading them to "close overnight".
Uddin also disputed the allegations of non-cooperation, saying his client's solicitors had contacted the council but received no response. He read out an email council officers sent to the lawyers notifying them of the hearing, asking: "If that's not engagement, what is?"
The licensing officer replied: "No, that's us writing to you, sir."
Committee Decision and Next Steps
Cllr Clare Jeapes (Labour, Canonbury), the committee's chair, emphasised that the panel's role was not to determine guilt or innocence, but to ensure the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder was promoted.
The committee, comprising Labour and Green councillors, voted to revoke the licence. A full decision is expected within five working days, after which the licensee can appeal through the magistrates' court.
