An Altrincham shop has had its application to sell alcohol refused after being described as the "Pied Piper of the vape market".
Trafford Council’s sub-licensing committee heard that Juz Mart, close to Hale Road Bridge on Hale Road, was selling vapes to children – some of whom were still in school uniform.
During an inspection of the premises by Licensing Enforcement and Trading Standards officers on September 13th, a large quantity of illegal vapes, illicit tobacco and suspected counterfeit England football shirts were seized.
Following the inspection, CCTV from the area was examined which clearly identified schoolchildren coming out of Juz Mart having just been sold vapes.
The application was opposed by Licensing Enforcement, Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police. Correspondence from concerned residents and businesses was also shown to the panel.
One email to Trafford Council read: “As a parent myself it is horrifying that I witness at least 15-20 children every day enter and purchase these products and these are children who cannot be older than 14 years old.”
After the meeting, Cllr Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said: “We have strict standards to make sure only responsible shop owners can sell alcohol.
“Our licensing enforcement team had no confidence that the owner would only sell alcohol to adults and it was clear from the evidence and the correspondence from residents that allowing the premises to sell alcohol would directly put at risk the children of Trafford.
“A key priority is that our children and young people receive the best start in life so I am delighted this application has been refused.”
Anyone with concerns regarding a premises in their area should contact trading.standards@trafford.gov.uk or licensing@trafford.gov.uk.
