By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
A shop owner has been denied a new alcohol license after he was caught selling drink after an old temporary licence had expired.
Nottingham City Council’s licensing panel met on Wednesday, July 19, to decide the fate of 24 Express on Mansfield Road.
One of the owners, Mehmet Balanur, stated his case to councillors after it emerged the shop had been selling alcohol without a license.
Mr Balanur said he had been in the trade for 22 years and was under the impression alcohol licenses came with the business and not the premises.
He also said steps had been taken to rectify the problems.
He said: “This is our only living and we have been there for almost 22 years and never had a problem. It is not fair.
“We are already struggling with the pandemic because we were closed for a year. We are trying to get back to normal and then this happens.”
Oliver Thorne, from Nottinghamshire Police, said the business had continued to sell alcohol after a temporary events notice allowing it to do so had ended.
He said: “You were fully aware some time after April you are not entitled to sell alcohol from the premises, and you continued to do so. This is a sad case but one that shows repeated and a knowing breach of licensing law.”
He said Nottinghamshire Police was calling on the committee not to grant a new license.
Mr Balanur disagreed and argued: “Why would I put my business and family in this position? This is our only living. There is nothing else we do.
“We are losing our business. I have a son, he is going to university and I have a loan. Why would I put myself in this position?”
Cllr Audrey Dinnall (Lab), chair of the committee, said: “While the panel has some sympathy with the applicant and the position they find themselves – it is their responsibility to take advice on the law on the business they operate.”
The new alcohol license was rejected.
After the meeting, the council confirmed the panel refused the application as the applicants had been selling alcohol without a license for some time.
The council says the shop can continue trading, but no sales of alcohol are allowed at the premises.
