Police say two Preston shops under the same management should have their licences removed amid concerns over underage sales and suspicious alcohol and medication.
The licences of Spizarnia and Dracula, both on New Hall Lane, were due to be reviewed by Preston City Council next week and police say there is no alternative but to remove the licences.
Both premises are managed by Paulina Kaldunek and owned by Bahzad Jamal who is also involved in the day-to-day running. While the shops are being reviewed separately, they are referred to as ‘sister sites’ by Lancashire Constabulary.
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According to reports submitted by licensing officer PC Ste Connolly, various issues of poor compliance with licensing requirements are being compounded by more serious matters at both stores. Spizarnia had previously failed a test purchase when a 14-year-old was allowed to buy alcohol.
Police had several interactions with both stores in recent years and found basic failures in displaying necessary signage, CCTV requirements, and staff training. Earlier this month, the force received a tip-off that illicit tobacco was being sold in each store and officers visited both on the morning of May 10.
At Spizarnia, officers seized medication which is believed to be Tramadol, a strong painkiller only available on prescription in the UK. According to PC Connolly, he has referred the items to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to determine the lawfulness of the items which were being sold for £49. No answer has yet been received by the MHRA.
Another investigation is being carried out by HMRC which has raised concerns about alcohol on sale in the store as it was purchased abroad but delivered from a UK warehouse, raising questions over whether the correct duty tax was paid.
Also seized that day were non-alcoholic drinks which are thought to be counterfeit Disney products and enquires are now on-going to determine their legality.
At Dracula, officers found evidence out-of-hours sales, including a ‘Buzz Ball’ cocktail, vodka and WKD at 7.45am, more than an hour before the licensed time began.
In his submissions for each premises, PC Connolly argues that revoking the licence is the only appropriate outcome.
The review of Spizarnia was due to take place today (Thursday, May 29) and Dracula on Friday.
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